Rissa May | Stay With Me%2c Daddy

If Rissa has witnessed conflict between parents, she may associate the other parent’s home with tension. Her request is a survival mechanism, not a rejection of her mother.

Sometimes, Rissa isn’t a person at all. She might be an imaginary friend. Studies show that up to 65% of young children create imaginary companions. These figures help children: rissa may stay with me%2C daddy

If Rissa is imaginary, saying "Rissa may stay with me, daddy" is a sophisticated emotional request. The child knows Rissa isn’t real, but the feeling of safety is. Do not dismiss this. Instead, play along while slowly building real-world coping skills: If Rissa has witnessed conflict between parents, she

"Of course Rissa can stay. What would help you both feel cozy? Should I bring two cups of warm milk?" If Rissa is imaginary, saying "Rissa may stay

Major changes disrupt a child’s sense of order. A new school, a death in the family, or a parent’s illness can trigger regression. The request for Rissa to stay is really a request for everything else to stay the same.