Ella is a social butterfly... with all her imaginary friends!
PRINCESS Ella astounds me with the extent of her imagination. While once I would have been concerned that she was spending too much time at night reading books to her imaginary friends in bed, I’m now super proud. “Can you find the letter eeee, Teddy? Yes, that’s right. Good boy, Teddy’’.
You see, this strange behaviour isn’t going to see her turn into Mel Gibson. Apparently, children with imaginary friends retain knowledge faster than other children, are more sociable and more creative. Or so I read somewhere. I’ll be whipping out our favourite Chocolate Brownie recipe and inviting more friends over, I think.
Ella also walks around the house, pretend mobile phone cradled between her ear and shoulder, parroting an adult’s conversation to a “friend” on the phone. I’m guessing she’s either mimicking her dad or a child care worker. It couldn’t be me.
The conversation usually goes something like this: “Oh, I know. That’s terrific. She’s been such a good girl today. I know. I’ll just write that down on a piece of paper (scrambles for paper and a crayon). Now, let me see. It’s e, u, h, k. I know. I know. Yes, I know.’’
Mostly, her imagination has helped spawn incredible art work. Just look at this elephant she drew. Remember, she’s only three – and that long thing is its trunk.
Then, only two days ago, while I was trying to get Baby Holly to sleep, she was busy with her craft and card making. I came out to find she’d made this rabbit for her cousin’s birthday. All. By. Herself.
She proudly showed it off to me by lifting it up to my face. At this point, the taped on ear flopped downwards. “Oh dear, mum’’ she said, in a rather sad voice. “He’s got a floppy ear’’.
However, there is a downside to having a child with a vivid imagination. A couple of weeks ago she had a play date with her cousin of the same age. The pair ran around the house, laughing and squealing because a monster was chasing them.
Then, suddenly, everything went quiet. No, don’t worry, the monster didn’t eat them. Wondering exactly what mischief they might be into, her mum and I started searching through the house. Here the girls were, in my bed, in the nudie rudie playing hairdressers, doctors …. and massages. Worrying, or what?
How do you foster your child’s imagination? Does your child have imaginary friends?
Ella sounds very cute and clever! My eldest had two Imaginery friends called Sheenup and Sharlay. There were big from 2.5 – 3.5ish. One day I asked her if they’d like to come over for tea. She gave me a rather stern look and said “Mummy they are only pretend you know!”.
Awww, love the names. Hehe!
And what were you thinking, Mum? Of course they’re only pretend!! LOL! 🙂
This one had me laughing out loud! I love it – How clever is little Ella ! It’s funny because my big kids are WAY past this and my little ones are not even near it… I do recall though Bella having a “friend” – and like the above post, I once asked her if her “friend” wanted a drink – Only to be told ” Don’t be silly mum, She is not real – she cant drink! ” Hrmz… Bella can still entertain herself rather easily with some teddies and a tea set.. and she is 9!
Glad it gave you a giggle, Elisha! Funny how their imaginary friends are oh so real, until we try to communicate with them!
It’s so nice to see their imaginations in action though – even as they get older. 🙂
Gorgeous. I love her telephone conversations!
Now I know I should have had an imaginary friend and I would have got further in life!!
(Stopping by from the Fibro Rewind)
LOL! Same, Amanda. Oh, the possibilities! hehe! 🙂
My little one does the phone thing. She walks about loudly speaking gibberish into some random object clamped between her ear and shoulder then laughs maniacally. I have no idea who she’s imitating possibly a random stranger obseved while shopping. 😉
Of course, must be a random stranger!!! 😉 It’s not like they pick up anything like that from us. hehe!
Ella’s started saying: “brrrtt brrrtt, hello?” We don’t have a phone that makes that noise. They all actually play songs! Now I KNOW it’s child care… 🙂
I love hearing about these tots with active imaginations – it’s only to be encouraged.
While our friends aren’t strictly “imaginary” the secret lives of Teddy, BeeBee, Cat and Cheetah (who are real toys) are lived out daily. Teddy and BeeBee’s wedding had me exhausted for days (thank goodness it was only play acting. If it were real, there would have been tears, for all the drama that occurred!)
Oh, and all our friends are treated exactly the same as the munchkin, so the very cheeky Cat and Teddy are regularly found doing timeout on the stairs.
Thanks for sharing. (Dropping by from the Fibro)
That is too cute!
We have those friends too! And yes, they have to endure timeout just the same. However, apparently they also like treats – real ones, please.
Her most ingenious idea this week though was having a baby in her belly and needing ice cream to feed it! Not falling for that one!!:)
My eldest daughter, who is now 10 had imaginary friends, and my four year old son still does on and off. I think it’s magical
It really is. It’s such an insight into their world too! 🙂
Great post. My Mr4 has an imaginary friend – will post about her tonight and link back – and Mr7 has long had very convoluted conversations with his bears.
Thanks for rewinding at the Fibro!
Loved your post today. Just brilliant.
Am writing this while listening to Ella in bed telling her teddy bear he’s being too noisy! Meanwhile, she’s banging a saucepan and a spoon together… 🙂