Poltergeists in the Playpen: When My Toddler Started Seeing Spirits, It Challenged Everything We Knew (Exclusive)

**Jacquie Walters Explores Spirituality and Parenthood in ‘Turn Off the Light’**

Jacquie Walters, the author of the upcoming novel “Turn Off the Light,” has had her life transformed by her daughter’s unexpected encounters with the spirit world. These experiences began when her daughter was just under two years old, leading Walters to question both her beliefs and her parenting.

The first sign of her daughter’s connection to another realm came during a rather innocent moment when she was playing with a grey bunny toy. Amidst giving kisses to family members, she directed one last affectionate gesture to a seemingly empty corner of her room. At the time, Walters dismissed the incident as a coincidence, but soon, a more vivid encounter would challenge her initial scepticism.

One month later, her child awoke from a nap in tears. When her husband checked on her, the plush bunny remained securely in her arms. She pointed to the same corner of the room where she had sent kisses previously. As her father conversed with her, it became clear that she was responding to a presence, confirming that while this spirit was not frightening, she did feel sadness at its absence.

Feeling unsettled yet curious, Walters faced profound questions as a parent: What was truly happening? How could she support her daughter during these inexplicable episodes? These dilemmas often arise in parenting but are intensified when the experiences involve the supernatural.

A particular moment stood out for Walters—a routine bedtime reading when her daughter suddenly sat up, fixated on the corner where she sensed a presence. The child’s stern declaration of “My house” implied a familiarity and ownership of the space in a manner that both intrigued and unnerved Walters. Acknowledging her daughter’s experiences, rather than dismissing them as figments of imagination, became a guiding principle as she navigated this uncharted territory.

Walters had always possessed an interest in spirituality, dabbling in astrology and other metaphysical realms. However, her daughter’s experiences prompted her to apply these beliefs more practically, igniting a journey that has altered her perception of the universe. Beyond merely understanding the phenomena, she ventured into mediumship and channeling, marking a significant shift in her relationship with the spiritual realm.

Recognising that such abilities reside within all of us, Walters began to question how she could raise her children to maintain their connection to their innate intuition. Rather than allowing them to lose this gift as they grow older, she aspired for them to embrace their intuitive knowledge wholeheartedly. This ideological shift not only aligns with her parenting philosophy but also marks a radical departure from conventional views that often prioritise rationality over intuition.

Parallel to her personal explorations, Walters was also writing “Turn Off the Light.” The novel offers a fresh take on traditional ghost stories, inspired by her daughter’s encounters. Through her writing, she seeks to alter perceptions surrounding hauntings, providing readers with an opportunity to view the supernatural from a new perspective.

In crafting her narrative, Walters aims to encourage a departure from fear and misunderstanding of spirits and instead foster an appreciation for the mystery and magic that exist beyond our immediate comprehension. It is less about the validity of her hypothesis and more about creating a transformative experience for readers, prompting them to embrace the unknown.

With “Turn Off the Light,” Walters invites readers to expand their comfort zones and consider alternative explanations to what lies beyond our understanding. As she reflects on her own journey, she embraces the idea that our knowledge of the universe is limited, which has ultimately led to a more open-minded and accepting approach to life’s mysteries.

Set to be released on 3 March, “Turn Off the Light” is available for pre-order now, promising to engage those intrigued by the delicate interplay between spirituality, parenthood, and the unseen forces that surround us. Walters’ narrative serves as both a personal exploration and a creative endeavour, adding depth and insight to the discourse on the spirit realm and its place in our everyday lives.