My 4 year-old, Sunny, has a friend (imaginary) named Bob. Bob is a good friend of Sunny's. We hear about him frequently. Sometimes Bob is an adult. He always drives a trash truck, which makes him very cool in Sunny's eyes. Talk of Bob comes up quite regularly in conversation and it usually starts with "my friend Bob....". Bob is quite amazing, he has done just about everything. Just recently when I (shamefully) got a speeding ticket in front of my children and I was visibly upset (more about setting such a poor example for my children than about the ticket) Sunny tried to console me.
He said, "My friend Bob got a ticket."
I questioned, "Oh, he did?"
"Yeah, to the basketball game."
Thanks alot Bob.
Sunny's big brother got a good chuckle out of that one.
Bob seems like a really interesting guy with all of his exotic pets and exciting adventures, but I am a little irritated with Bob right now. Lately, he has been doing some things that I really don't appreciate, like, giving Sunny gum without my permission. I think he even had the nerve to actually take gum from my bag and give it to Sunny. I don't think this is really appropriate, especially if he is an adult. He has also spilled things and left them there to be cleaned up by someone else.
I would really like to talk to Bob about this, but I haven't actually met the guy and I am not really sure how to get in touch with him. He moves really quick, he is usually in and out in a flash. Does anyone know if there is a website or something (i.e. 411 & MUCH more) where you can look up imaginary friends? If there isn't, someone should really start one. These guys tend to be really elusive and hard to reach.
Bob, if you are out there, could you please call or email me. I know that you know where to find me, because you never have a problem finding Sunny. We really need to talk. I mean, if you are going to continue to play such a big role in Sunny's life I think it is time that we set up some guidelines. I think you even have kids of your own, so you understand the importance. And, by the way, do think you could ask your buddies to stop leaving my trash can in the middle of the road.

In all my reading...the healthiest and most creative children have an IF and they suck their thumb! Congrats!
Posted by: Jen | May 14, 2007 at 06:09 PM