Ella Bella - Hafizah's Imaginary Friend

Salam,

Hafizah: Mama, Ella Bella want to eat Honey Star (cereal) too.
Me:       But where is she? Is it okay if I just give you another bowl and you'll give it to her?
Hafizah: Ok, mama. Thank you.

That's only one example of how Hafizah use her imaginary friend, Ella Bella when she needs to pretend playing. It's not just Hafizah who likes to play with Ella Bella but originally Fathini created that imaginary friend for both of them. Do your children have any imaginary friend? Do we have to worry about this situation?

I've searched some articles from Google and these are the things that I've found. Hopefully thee explanations can answer some of your concerns about this situation too.

Functions of having imaginary friend/s:

• They can be wonderful companions for pretend play, which is an important way to stimulate creativity and imagination. Having an invisible friend can make those long trips to the moon or back in time a little less lonely.
• They can act as a child's trusted confidant when there's no one else to tell their secrets to. Even small children have issues that are too private to tell us.
• They can help kids figure out the difference between right and wrong. Kids sometimes have a tough time stopping themselves from doing things they know are wrong. Blaming the imaginary friend for eating cookies before dinner is often a sign that the child understands right vs. wrong distinctions but isn't quite ready to assume complete responsibility for her actions.
• They can give you some valuable insights into your child's feelings. Listening to your child bravely comfort an invisible friend who's about to get a shot may be a clue that your child is more afraid than she's letting on.

*THOUGH IT'S PERFECTLY FINE FOR YOUR CHILD/CHILDREN TO HAVE IMAGINARY FRIEND/S, YOU NEED TO KNOW SOME GROUND RULES:

• Don't let the "friend" be your child's only companion. Kids need to socialize with others their own ages. If your child seems to have no other friends or has no interest in being with her peers, talk to your pediatrician.

• Don't let your child shift responsibility for everything bad to the friend. Saying that the friend is the one responsible for a nighttime accident is okay. Blaming the friend for a string of bank robberies isn't.
• Treat the friend with respect. This means remembering his name, greeting him when you meet, and apologizing when you sit on him.
• Don't use the friend to manipulate your child. That means no comments like "Maggie finished her dinner, why don't you finish yours?"

Click HERE for the source.

Now, if you are dealing with the same situation with your child/children, would you like to share what do you normally do?