How can I tell if Ava has an imaginary friend?

I'm pretty sure she does. She's always talking to someone next to her and pulling out a chair for them, and I think she calls her imaginary friend "Papa", which is what she calls my dad
We'll be home alone, and I'll hear her say, "Come on, Papa!" and kind of look behind her while she walks. Just curious what age this usually starts, I feel like 18 months is early to have an imaginary friend, which then leads me to think there's something wrong with her. I know she's fine, but I think, "OMG, who is she talking to? Is she hearing voices?" I know that's totally overreacting, but still, you have to wonder!

Re: How can I tell if Ava has an imaginary friend?

Emily will pretend she's talking to Cinderella, my DH, her cousins, etc. while she is playing. It's just part of her imaginary play --- make believe.

It does make me curious though. I've heard that kids are more receptive to seeing spirits and stuff like that ---- so not to freak you out or anything, but that's the first thing that popped into my mind.

Re: How can I tell if Ava has an imaginary friend?

Don't know the answer but I'd definitely be freaked out.. but I get spooked easily!

Re: How can I tell if Ava has an imaginary friend?

Maybe she sees ghosts too!!!

Re: How can I tell if Ava has an imaginary friend?

No, I definitely think it's an imaginary friend, although anything is possible. It's not just my father that she talks to, but she'll talk to my sister when she's not there, the cat when he's not there, but I notice that it's mostly my father. The moment she wakes up, I hear her say, "HI, PAPA!" all bright and cheery. It's really cute because we live with my parents right now and if he hears her, he'll answer her, and she almost sounds confused

Re: How can I tell if Ava has an imaginary friend?

From what I know about it, I think it's too early for her to have a true imaginary friend. I remember reading they show up in pre-school (around 3 yo).

Ava seems pretty ahead of the game in terms of development so it's feasible.

If it helps you at all, I consider myself relatively normal (no pychotropic medication at least ) & I had one when I was about 3 or 4. It can get obnoxious when she insists on Papa having his own plate & seat.

Given your school "friends", I'm just hoping for the imaginary kind for her.

Re: How can I tell if Ava has an imaginary friend?

it sounds like just healthy imaginary play. I dont think anything to be worried about.

does she tell you anything about her "papa"

that is so adorable!

Re: How can I tell if Ava has an imaginary friend?

Re: How can I tell if Ava has an imaginary friend?

I think 18 months is too young for an imaginary friend. Probably just more of an imagination at work. And I think "friends" usually have names that are not of someone else that they know. I wouldn't be concerned yet. She's probably just going through a phase.