Imaginary Friends

When Ridge was about three years old, we went on a camping trip out to a cabin in Juneau. The hike back to the road after two days of camping was a bit tedious for our little boy. There was some snow on the ground, and Aaron had moved ahead of us carrying Holt in the backpack (we were a little worried because Holt had bitten his lip pretty badly while at the cabin and we wondered if stitches would be required. They weren't and he was fine). So, this left Ridge and myself poking our way back through the woods. At some point during this long walk (3 miles), Sally was born. This imaginary friend of Ridge's lasted on and off for a few months, never really manifesting to the full extent that some imaginary friends do. I think he always knew she as fake.

Today, Sally came back to visit. For some reason, Ridge decided to playfully re-incarnate her. Now, of course, he knows he's kidding, and so does Holt. I think. Sometimes I'm not sure exactly what Holt thinks. But, I'm pretty certain that Holt knows that Sally isn't real.

However, now Sally seems to have an evil twist. Ridge has learned how to manipulate his little brother using a figment of their imaginations.

"Sally," says Ridge, "Do you think that spot on Holt's leg where he is bleeding is gross?"

"Yeah," responds my seven-year-old, "I think so, too."

How sweet.

Coming up the stairs after we got home:

Holt: Where's Sally Ridge?
Ridge: She went to Joelle's house to play [a neighbor].
Holt: NO! That's not fair! I don't want she to go to Joelle's house!
Ridge: Yeah, well, that's where she is.
Holt: (screams and cries) NO! Make her come back! I want her to be here!!

Me: (thinking) Is this really what it looks like? My five-year-old is tantruming over the behavior of an imaginary friend? Wow. They don't write about this in the parenting books AT ALL. Not a word.

I've been reading this series of books called "Parenting with Love and Logic". They left out the chapter on how to use love and logic with a non-existent entity. Maybe I should write a letter to the authors, eh? I've tried to convince Holt to just create his own imaginary friend, but he's stuck on Sally, for some odd reason. Go figure.