I, as a little one had an imaginary friend. He was very real to me and even as a thirty-year-old now, I have very fond memories of my old friend.
I, as a little one had an imaginary friend. He was very real to me and even as a thirty-year-old now, I have very fond memories of my old friend. I never thought too much about it until a year or so ago when my daughter started to talk about her new friend. It got me thinking, where do these imaginary friends come from? Are they a source of comfort, a very active imagination or simply just a standard developmental aspect of childhood.
What is an Imaginary Friend?
Imaginary friends are pretend friends that your child makes up in their imagination.
Imaginary friends come in all shapes and sizes. They can be based on someone your child already knows, a storybook character or even a soft toy. Or they can come purely from your child’s imagination.
These friends might always be there, or they might come and go. They might exist only in certain spots like the play room or at the kitchen table. And they might appear and disappear for no apparent reason.
Imaginary friends are a natural part of healthy child development. Children use their fantasy friends to practice verbal skills, boost their confidence and for role play.
Many parents will be familiar with the sound of mutterings coming from their child’s bedroom. If they ask them who they are talking to, the response will usually be: “Nobody!”
Studies researching the phenomena of childhood imaginary friends have found that if a parent asks too many questions about the invisible companion or, worse still, tries to interact with them, the friend disappears as miraculously as it arrived.
So, when you hear your child chattering away into thin air, it is best not to intervene. It is in the interest of your child’s healthy development to keep their make-believe friend alive, and here’s why…
Why do children invent Imaginary Friends?
It seems logical that children who invent invisible friends might be lonely or have social problems, but research doesn’t support those assumptions. In fact, compared to those who don’t create them, children with imaginary friends tend to be less shy, engage in more laughing and smiling with peers, and do better at tasks involving imagining how someone else might think.They might more empathy in their play with other children.
Having an imaginary friend is not evidence that a child is troubled. However, imaginary friends can be a source of comfort when a child is experiencing difficulties. There are many case studies of children inventing imaginary friends to help them cope with traumatic experience.
Your child’s imaginary friend could be someone who:
What is an Imaginary Friend?
Imaginary friends are pretend friends that your child makes up in their imagination.
Imaginary friends come in all shapes and sizes. They can be based on someone your child already knows, a storybook character or even a soft toy. Or they can come purely from your child’s imagination.
These friends might always be there, or they might come and go. They might exist only in certain spots like the play room or at the kitchen table. And they might appear and disappear for no apparent reason.
Imaginary friends are a natural part of healthy child development. Children use their fantasy friends to practice verbal skills, boost their confidence and for role play.
Many parents will be familiar with the sound of mutterings coming from their child’s bedroom. If they ask them who they are talking to, the response will usually be: “Nobody!”
Studies researching the phenomena of childhood imaginary friends have found that if a parent asks too many questions about the invisible companion or, worse still, tries to interact with them, the friend disappears as miraculously as it arrived.
So, when you hear your child chattering away into thin air, it is best not to intervene. It is in the interest of your child’s healthy development to keep their make-believe friend alive, and here’s why…
Why do children invent Imaginary Friends?
It seems logical that children who invent invisible friends might be lonely or have social problems, but research doesn’t support those assumptions. In fact, compared to those who don’t create them, children with imaginary friends tend to be less shy, engage in more laughing and smiling with peers, and do better at tasks involving imagining how someone else might think.They might more empathy in their play with other children.
Having an imaginary friend is not evidence that a child is troubled. However, imaginary friends can be a source of comfort when a child is experiencing difficulties. There are many case studies of children inventing imaginary friends to help them cope with traumatic experience.
Your child’s imaginary friend could be someone who:
- listens to and supports your child
- plays with your child
- can do things that your child can’t do
- is special and belongs only to your child
- doesn’t judge or find fault with your child.
Imaginary friends allow children to explore a make-believe world that they create all by themselves. In fact, children with make-believe friends might be more imaginative and more likely to enjoy fantasy play and magical stories.
The way children play with or talk about their friends can tell you a lot about how they’re feeling. Make-believe friends give you insight into your child’s inner world, and her likes, dislikes and tastes.
The way children play with or talk about their friends can tell you a lot about how they’re feeling. Make-believe friends give you insight into your child’s inner world, and her likes, dislikes and tastes.
How long do they last?
Children as young as 2½ years can have an imaginary friend.
Children usually stop playing with imaginary friends (whether they have one or even a whole family of them) when they’re ready to move on. Imaginary friends are most likely to be around for several months, but they could be a feature of your child’s life for up to three years.
Children as young as 2½ years can have an imaginary friend.
Children usually stop playing with imaginary friends (whether they have one or even a whole family of them) when they’re ready to move on. Imaginary friends are most likely to be around for several months, but they could be a feature of your child’s life for up to three years.
How should you respond to your child’s Imaginary Friend?
If your child has an invisible friend, relax and enjoy it! Ask questions to find out more about the friend. You may learn something about your child’s current interests, wishes, fears, or concerns. You may even want to write down and save your child’s adorable answers!
When there might be other issues
For a very few children, imaginary friends can be a symptom of other issues. If you’re worried about your child’s imaginary friend – for example, if your child has suffered a traumatic event or the imaginary friend is being malicious or nasty – consult your GP or a health professional.
Written by Laura Doyle- Staff Writter at Family Friendly HQ. Laura also blogs at Love, Life and Little Ones.