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Imaginary Friend

NAS78234

Hi

I have a son who is 8 and a half, and is currently awaiting tests to see if he is Autistic. 

Unfortunately the waiting list, like everything else is a long one.

In December, he invented an imaginary friend - which are his index and middle finger.

I don't know how to treat this little "friend".

I have tried to find things out about him and where he has come from 

We are at the stage now, where this little character, is taking over and being blamed for all wrong doings. It's also started to 

affect his schooling, as he often takes a break during class to play with his friend.

I can't find any advice on if this should be encouraged or what I need to do to get to grips with this new behaviour.

Does anybody have any advice please?

Parents

  • I wouldn't try and discourage it. I had an imaginary friend as a child. It's quite common and I believe usually considered quite healthy. 

    I think it would be okay to talk with your son as to why it might not be appropriate to play with his friend during class though, and maybe chat about why he feels he needs to take time out to play. Is he feeling bored at school or overwhelmed for example? You could also, depending on the circumstances, when he blames his friend for any wrong doings talk to him about why his friend did it and whether it was appropriate. You could even ask your son what he thinks would have been a better choice for his friend to make at that point. Though this would, of course, depend on what had happened. 

Reply

  • I wouldn't try and discourage it. I had an imaginary friend as a child. It's quite common and I believe usually considered quite healthy. 

    I think it would be okay to talk with your son as to why it might not be appropriate to play with his friend during class though, and maybe chat about why he feels he needs to take time out to play. Is he feeling bored at school or overwhelmed for example? You could also, depending on the circumstances, when he blames his friend for any wrong doings talk to him about why his friend did it and whether it was appropriate. You could even ask your son what he thinks would have been a better choice for his friend to make at that point. Though this would, of course, depend on what had happened. 

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