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Don’t be concerned—your child is not only normal but also remarkably creative! Their growing imagination has crafted a unique, imaginary friend, a personal companion who joins them in exploring and understanding the world around them.
Children who are firstborn or highly intelligent often create imaginary friends. This process helps them distinguish right from wrong, express themselves, experiment with different situations, and develop verbal skills. Many young children enjoy pretend play with toys as if they are real, and by age seven, about 37% go further by creating an invisible friend, according to the University of Oregon.
Having an imaginary friend is a healthy and natural part of childhood development, a complex form of pretend play. Research indicates that children with imaginary friends are often more articulate, creative, and have higher self-esteem.
Imaginary friends also empower children, giving them the chance to “be in charge” and take control, a refreshing experience as they navigate the rules of their world. Sometimes, these friends even serve as a way for children to express their own feelings indirectly, like saying, “Rooky The Rabbit doesn’t like it when you’re upset, Mom.”
Imaginary friends are often more prevalent among children with new siblings, as the imaginary companion offers comfort and helps them adjust to the attention shift. This comfort extends to other major life changes, like moving or a family separation, providing emotional support during challenging times.
Children may also use imaginary friends to practice social skills, cope with fears, and even explore complex emotions. This friend allows them to explore anger safely or express needs indirectly, such as asking for an extra treat on behalf of their imaginary friend.
Parents should not try to interfere or overly question their child’s imaginary friend, as this can lead to the friend “disappearing” as mysteriously as they arrived. However, using the friend’s presence playfully can be beneficial, like suggesting, “Let’s see if you can get dressed faster than Molly!”
Remember, having an imaginary friend isn’t a sign of trouble. Instead, it’s a charming part of growing up, so enjoy this magical time without worry!
