It’s common knowledge that kids are prone to having very active imaginations. In between playing make believe with the neighbor kids and asking their parents inquisitive (and usually embarrassing) questions in public, kids are known to develop an imaginary friend to entertain them on rainy afternoons.
But like having active imaginations, kids are also more susceptible and open to seeing ghosts than most adults are. And what happens if your child thinks their new “imaginary” friend is, in fact, a ghost? Here are five warning signs that your kid’s new “bestie” is actually an evil spirit.
Source: DeviantArt
1. A Proper Name
Children, admittedly, have a penchant for naming their favorite possessions, be it a hamster or a cherished doll. But if their new imaginary friend has a proper name, it could be an early warning sign that something is amiss. When an entity has a Christian name, it implies that said entity has an established identity. Perhaps your daughter just happens to like the name Morgan…or maybe that was the name of someone who once died in your house.
2. Sudden Violence
Children are not always savvy when it comes to communicating their frustrations and fears. As a result, they sometimes act out in ways parents find less than savory. But if your typically well behaved child is suddenly acting aggressive after establishing an imaginary friend, it could be that said friend is negatively influencing your kid. Another warning sign is if your child tells you that their imaginary friend is hurting them in some way. It’s possible that your child is struggling with some mental issues…or maybe the ghost in your house just wasn’t a nice person when they were alive.
3. Isolation
If your child’s imaginary friend truly is imaginary, then that means your child is in control of their actions, dialogue and how involved the friend is in their life. But if your kid is suddenly isolating themselves from you or their friends, it could be a warning sign. That “imaginary friend” may be instructing or pressuring your child to detach themselves from others as a means of creating a greater influence over them and their decisions.
4. A Stranger’s Voice
This one may not be obvious at first, as kids often like to speak on behalf of their stuffed animals and other toys. But even if your child grows up to a be a professional voice actor, they will only have a limited range of tones and pitches as an adolescent. If you find your child having a conversation with their imaginary friend, be sure to pay special attention to their mouth when they are talking. Some parents have been shocked to discover that their kids really were having a two person conversation in their bedroom.
5. Disembodied Sounds
If you suspect that your kid’s imaginary friend may be a ghost or paranormal entity in your home, it’s advised that you start paying attention to sounds you hear around your house. Is that sudden creaking coming from the vent, or is it the sound of someone unseen walking down the hallway? Chances are, if your child’s new friend is a ghost, there will be other signs of its presence around the home.
If you’re convinced that your child has befriended one of the dead, try your best not to panic—at least not in front of your kids. Instilling fear in your children will only make the matter worse. Instead, speak candidly with your child about their imaginary friend, and ask a lot of questions. For those of you who are certain that the spirit is malicious in nature, consider confronting them yourself and demanding that they leave you and your family alone. If worse comes to worst, consider consulting a religious figure or paranormal investigator to help dispel that pesky spirit.
About the Author: Chelsey Dagner is a full time horror writer and aspiring librarian. When she isn’t writing articles for Blumhouse and The Lineup, she can typically be found watching creepy movies, playing Elder Scrolls, or taking leisurely strolls with her cats. Check out her horror blog at www.macabreadore.com. Chelsey Dagner is a full time horror writer and aspiring librarian. When she isn’t writing articles for Blumhouse and The Lineup, she can typically be found watching creepy movies, playing Elder Scrolls, or taking leisurely strolls with her cats. Check out her horror blog at www.macabreadore.com
