Annie’s Mailbox: My 5-year-old says he sees ghosts

Dear Annie: My 5-year-old son has been claiming to see the paranormal. I’m sure part of it is just his imagination. But sometimes he describes in great detail people and even pets who have died. He mainly claims to see a cousin he never met, but whom he can describe accurately. Sometimes, he will sit up in bed and start talking to a wall, saying he is talking to his cousin.

Now he says he can see someone else. He isn’t sure who it is, but it frightens him. My son won’t even walk past the bedroom door without me or another adult with him and the bedroom light on.

We don’t let him watch scary movies or anything like that. Is it possible that he is really seeing these things? I’ve mentioned it to a few different ministers who just laughed it off and said there is no such thing as the paranormal. Any advice would be appreciated. – A Fan of Your Work

Dear Fan: The fact that your son doesn’t watch scary movies does not mean he hasn’t been exposed to ads for them or comments from friends. Nonetheless, our concern is not that your son is making it up. Sometimes manifestations of the paranormal can indicate a medical problem. Please take him to his doctor for a complete checkup, including a neurological exam.