Yes—some children do appear to see spirits, and in many cases, they’re sensing loved ones who have passed.
But what they’re experiencing is often very different from the frightening idea most people have when they hear the word “ghosts.”
Many parents search for answers when their child says they see someone who isn’t physically there—and in many cases, there is a deeper explanation.
As a psychic medium, I’ve seen many cases where children are naturally more open to spiritual communication—especially from loved ones who have passed. In many ways, children haven’t yet learned to filter out what they see, feel, or sense.
Quick summary:
Children can be more open to sensing spirit
Most experiences involve loved ones
These encounters are usually not harmful
There are clear ways to tell imagination from real experiences
In this article, I’ll explain what’s really happening, why children are more sensitive, and how to tell the difference between imagination and genuine spiritual experiences.
“My daughter told me she saw a short bald man standing in the corner of her room—and that he was friendly. Later she said there was another tall man with a stick who scared her. Is any of this real?”
That question came from a listener on Newfoundland’s K-Rock radio show—and it’s one I’ve been asked many times over the years.
Can children really see ghosts or spirits?
First, let’s shift the language.
The word “ghost” tends to bring up images of something dark or frightening—thanks in large part to movies and pop culture. But in my experience, what children are sensing is better understood as spirit.
And yes—children can be more open to sensing spirit.
Young children haven’t yet developed the belief systems that tell them what is “real” and what is “not.” They haven’t been conditioned to dismiss what they see or feel. Because of that, they can be more receptive to subtle forms of communication.
I firmly believe that our loved ones continue to watch over us—and that they sometimes take advantage of this openness in children to make their presence known.
After all, children represent new life, and there is something deeply meaningful about that connection from the spirit side.
Who are these spirits?
In most cases, the spirits children describe are deceased loved ones—often grandparents or family members.
I’ve experienced this personally. When my daughter was young, she described both my mother and father with surprising accuracy—not just how they looked, but their mannerisms and behaviors. These were details she couldn’t have learned from photos or stories.
That kind of specificity is often a strong indicator that something more than imagination is at play.
Can these experiences be frightening?
Sometimes, yes.
Even when the intention from spirit is loving, the experience itself can be unfamiliar or overwhelming for a child—especially if they don’t understand what’s happening.
If your child is frightened, the most important thing you can do is stay calm and reassuring.
Let them know:
They are safe
The presence is not there to harm them
They can ask it to stop or go away
Children have more control in these situations than we often realize.
Can (or should) you stop it?
Yes—you can.
If a child is uncomfortable, it’s perfectly okay to set boundaries and ask that the experience stop.
That said, in many cases these encounters come from a place of love, reassurance, or connection. When understood properly, they can actually be comforting rather than frightening.
How can you tell the difference between spirits and imagination?
This is one of the most important questions.
Many children—especially under the age of five—have imaginary friends. This is completely normal and part of healthy development.
But there are some key differences.
Imaginary experiences tend to:
Change or adapt easily
Become vague when questioned
Require the child to “think” before answering
Spiritual experiences tend to:
Remain consistent over time
Include specific, detailed descriptions
Be described quickly and confidently
Feel very real and matter-of-fact to the child
In other words, imagination is flexible.
Spiritual experiences tend to feel fixed and certain—like describing a real person standing in the room.
Many parents also notice other signs from loved ones, such as meaningful dreams or repeated symbols.
What if I feel scared as a parent?
This is completely natural—but it’s important not to pass that fear along to your child.
In my own life, my mother passed away years before my daughter was born. She never had the chance to meet her granddaughter in life.
So when my daughter began describing her, it didn’t frighten me—it brought me comfort. It felt like a continuation of connection, not something to fear.
Children take their emotional cues from us. If we react with fear, they will too. If we remain calm and open, they are far more likely to feel safe and grounded.
A real example from my work
A client of mine, Nancy, once shared a powerful experience.
Her brother’s dog—a beloved brown Labrador named Buster—had recently passed away. The family was heartbroken, especially her young daughter, Lissa.
One morning, Lissa came into the kitchen and said:
“Mom, Buster is happy now.”
Nancy smiled and carried on with the day. But later, she noticed something had changed. Lissa was no longer sad—she was completely at peace.
When Nancy asked her about it, Lissa explained that she had seen her grandfather the night before—and Buster was with him, happy, healthy, and no longer in pain.
Moments like this don’t feel imagined. They feel meaningful, complete, and deeply comforting.
What I’ve learned in over 40 years as a psychic medium
Over the years, I’ve seen many examples of children acting as a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds.
Not because they are “special” in a rare sense—but because they are open.
They haven’t yet learned to shut down what doesn’t fit into everyday logic.
And in many cases, the purpose of these experiences isn’t to frighten—it’s to:
comfort
reassure
remind us that connection doesn’t end
Frequently Asked Question
Can children really see ghosts or spirits?
Yes, some children appear more open to sensing spiritual presence, especially at a young age when their beliefs and filters are not fully developed.
Final thoughts
If your child is seeing or sensing something you don’t understand, take a breath.
Listen. Stay calm. Ask gentle questions.
You don’t have to immediately label the experience—but you also don’t have to dismiss it.
Sometimes, these moments carry meaning—not just for the child, but for the entire family.
Embrace the possibility that what they are experiencing may be a form of connection… and a reminder that love never dies.
