My DS#1 has got an imaginary pet (dog) named Jerry (don't ask me how he got that name, anyway, it's not so imaginary, he will hold his little broter (3) by the shoulders (from the back) and then will go around the house, and he will be saying 'Come on jerry" so last night I asked him who Jerry was, and he said his dog, and i'm like where is Jerry, and he said right here (pointing to DS#2), I told him it was not nice to call your little brother a dog. Is this normal? I know imaginary play is normal but turning your sibling into a pet? have any of you been thru something similar?

My oldest went through something similiar when she was 3- I was her dog. I assumed it was her way of trying to get me to play with her (she was obsessed with dogs- she never really cared for dolls until she got her first Barbie at 5). I think she was also developing her imagination at the time.

It sounds like pretend play to me. Both my sons do this. They will pretend they are dragons, dogs, monkeys, or whatever else they can come up with! As long as they're not jurting each other, I let them play. As long as they're not fighting, it's okay with me. My oldest ds had imaginary friends, and my youngest has them now!

As long as you're younger one doesn't mind, and it's not demeaning, it seems fine. It actually sounds quite cute. Is it normal? Well, here's my question: What is normal? Kids are individuals, and each one has passing phases. I say enjoy and let them be kids. (I would also video this for reasons of the heart, but also for blackmail!!)

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I think it is normal. Do you have a dog? Maybe he is telling you he wants one. My 4 year old has had imaginary friends for over a year. It used to be "shadow ranger", then it changed to people with names and now it is his sister(s). He wants a sister his age - NOT a baby. He wanted me to take/borrow a girl from his preschool for the weekend, lol. If he is getting into trouble he blames it on various imaginary people - they did it, they made him do it, he was heading them off so they wouldn't get in trouble...Smart kid!

So, yes I think it is normal and fine. At least he is playing nicely with his younger brother!

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To cute. it sound like he wants a dog.