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When children say they see spirits, they do. To deny that they do is to guarantee the child will suffer from insecurities and self-doubt. It’s much better to acknowledge to the child that spirits are often seen by children. Ask if the spirit(s) is an adult or a child, a male or female. Then add, if you want: "Many people, like myself, have been taught how not to see spirits." Or: "Many people, like myself, have forgotten how to see spirits." If you want your child to continue being able to see spirits, say this instead: "It’s great you can see spirits. Of course, you have to tell them to obey your personal rules and house rules, just like people who aren’t spirits do." When A Child Sees Frightening Spirits Say: "This (man, woman, child) you see does not belong here even if (he/she) thinks otherwise. Maybe he/she is frightened and doesn’t know any place better to go. Or maybe he/she likes to frighten children. Either way, I’m going to send this one on his/her way by pointing out where he/she can go to get what he/she wants and needs." You can offer your child to help you do this, or to sit with you while you do it, or you can tell your child you will take care of it and explain how you did it when he/she (your child) is older.

"Oh dear. We need to help your friend find a happy, safe home to live in where he/she has a safe, cozy room all of his/her own, with a loving family and a pet to protect him/her if he/she needs and wants one. Your friend can still visit you to play."

THEN SAY: "Tell your friend to close his/her eyes and hold your hand. Now your friend must think: ‘I want the happiest, safest, most fun home and family for me.’ Now we count 1-2-3 and poof! Your friend is there. I’m sure he/she will tell you all about it when he/she comes to play again."

If your child wants to know how to visit the friend, say, "You can do it in your dreams, which is the best way to visit the soul world."

If your child wants to know how to find his/her way in the soul world, say: "You can have a pet all of your own in the dream world (or soul world if you prefer). Your soul pet (whatever the child chooses - a dog, cat, dragon, tiger, eagle, or a fairy or whatever your child’s imagination "conjures") will protect you in the dream world and bring you safely back home."