My five-year-old son has developed an imaginary friend named Celestia (yes, like a celestial being). I have no clue where he derived that name; as far as I know, it’s not a character from any popular children’s programs.
Upon further investigation, I discovered that Celestia is slightly older than my son but not quite “old enough to ride a bike.” She sports bright pink hair styled in a “braid similar to Rapunzel’s,” and has an unusual passion for broccoli soup. While I should applaud my son for his imagination, I have my reasons for feeling that this imaginary friend is genuinely a nuisance.
1. It’s Incredibly Irritating
I strive to be a gracious host to my children’s friends, but Celestia seems to have made herself a permanent resident. What am I supposed to do? Call her imaginary parents and say, “Hey, can you come pick up your kid?” Initially, I thought it was amusing, so I played along. That turned out to be a monumental mistake. Now I’m frequently asked to set an extra spot at the table and help this unseen guest fasten her seatbelt in our car. Just so you know, I serve imaginary meals on imaginary dishes. I do try to keep things in check.
By allowing this make-believe companion into our lives, I’ve inadvertently sanctioned her almost constant presence. I find myself tiptoeing around the house, as she seems to favor the corner of the couch that’s clearly molded to my shape. Recently, my son has started sharing Celestia’s opinions on my household rules—simple guidelines like “pick up your toys” and “no jumping on the furniture.” Apparently, she thinks I need to lighten up. Whatever, kiddo.
2. It’s Unnerving
Although our house is relatively new and I don’t subscribe to ghost stories, there’s a strange vibe reminiscent of The Sixth Sense in all of this. A small part of me worries that I’m one conversation away from my son saying, “I see imaginary friends.” If that moment comes, I might just pass out.
While I tell myself that this imaginary friendship is normal and harmless, there’s an unsettling part of me that feels uneasy when my son chats with someone who isn’t physically present. Or is she? Honestly, it gives me goosebumps, and I lie awake wondering if our neighborhood is built on sacred ground.
3. Lack of Accountability
Celestia has become the scapegoat for all sorts of mischief—from sneaking cookies before dinner to causing spills and messes. Once, she was even blamed for using an entire roll of paper towels attempting to craft a superhero cape (by the way, don’t try that at home—it doesn’t end well).
I understand that children this age are testing boundaries and learning about responsibility. I get it. However, I don’t want my son to think that blaming an imaginary friend is a free pass to avoid consequences. I haven’t given him any leeway on this yet, but he keeps trying, which is a bit concerning.
4. Concerns About Judgment
So far, my son displays solid social skills and is developing healthy relationships with his peers. I’ve never told him that Celestia isn’t real, nor have I criticized his imaginary friend—even when she occupies my favorite spot on the couch or jumps into the car uninvited when I’m in a rush. I recognize that having an imaginary friend is common for many children.
I can’t help but wonder if he feels incomplete in some way. Would he create a companion if he felt secure and fulfilled? Will his teacher label him as “that kid” or send him to see a counselor for passing imaginary notes? I might be overthinking, but I worry that other children will see him as odd and shy away from him because he talks to thin air.
Raising a child who chooses to be different rather than conforming is a bittersweet experience. I don’t know if my son will be that type of person. He’s still exploring his identity and how he wants to impact the world. Currently, he’s doing it with a playful pink-haired sidekick who brings him joy. While I still feel uneasy about the whole situation, I remind myself that his real friends can be irritating too. At least Celestia is quiet.
For now, it seems that my son’s imaginary friend is here to stay. Perhaps one day she’ll fade away. I’m fairly confident she won’t be around when he heads off to college, and if she is, I’ll find a way to cope. After all, she’s his friend, not mine.
Now, if only I could keep those visions of eerie twins from The Shining from invading my thoughts.
This article originally appeared on Jan. 22, 2023.
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Summary:
Navigating life with my son’s imaginary friend, Celestia, has proven to be both a source of amusement and frustration. While I appreciate the creativity behind this whimsical companion, her constant presence disrupts our daily routine. My concerns range from her influence on my son’s accountability to worries about how peers might perceive him. Regardless, I recognize that this phase is a normal part of childhood development, and I hope he finds his place in the world—imagination and all.
Keyphrase: My Son’s Imaginary Friend
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