My friend GaGa

So this weekend I met Gaga, not Lady Gaga the entertainer, but Gaga Jade's new friend. Onmany occasions I have heard Jade talking to herself but thought nothing of it, she is an only child. But this weekend things were a lot more detailed. I asked Jade who she was talking to and she screamed GAGA! I said o is gaga a boy or a girl? She said a girl mommy she is right here. I said o can you tell her I said hi.

I must admit I first I thought it was hilarious, I laughed and couldn't figure out why the kids name was GaGa of all things. But then I felt a little relieved. Jade was reading to GaGa, and I had a few moments to run her bath water and get her clothes out and ready for the day, hmmm I thought this isn't so bad after all.

So instead of making her feel uncomfortable I let it be and have done an internet search on the topic. Here is what I found

According to Familyresource.com (Armin Brott) Imaginary friends can:

• 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.

Earlychildhood.suite101.com says:

• Parents that are annoyed over their child’s imaginary friend (especially when the friend spills the milk or eats the last cookie) should look at the positives. It is believed that children with imaginary friends are actually very creative and they often have better verbal skills than children that do not have these friends. Also, if your child does not do well at entertain herself, your imaginary friend may serve that purpose, too. She may not want to play in her room alone, but she might spend a lot of time in there playing with the friend.

So mommy's now that we know its perfectly normal, what are your children's imaginary friend stories and how have you dealt with this issue?