Getting to know your child’s imaginary friends is a fun perk of parenting and teaching. Those characters – whether invisible, a stuffed animal or a doll – can be a window into your child’s soul. Discover why your child may have an imaginary friend and how to support their social and emotional growth as they live out their imagined characters.
A child’s imaginary friend can be a big part of their social and emotional growth.
Social and Emotional Development
A Tremendous Source of Comfort
Some caregivers might worry that a child creates an imaginary friend to deal with loneliness or social problems. This is not usually the case! Children almost always know that their imaginary friends are not real, despite the strong attachment to them. However,
All children are different. Some may never create an imaginary friend, but many will. Some may outgrow their ‘friends,’ and others may still think of these imaginary relationships but in a way that moves along with the developmental stage. The imaginary characters may stick around through adulthood, whether in fantasy, fiction, or an inner voice.
Just Remember
Core Marbles
Enjoy your child’s imaginary friends! Children soak up parental attention, especially when the attention is encouraging. Here are some tips:
Pro tip: Write your child’s imagined stories down so you can enjoy them as a family as your child grows up!
Chandler Chang, PhD is the Founder and Clinical Director of Therapy Lab and Therapy Lab Kids. Dr. Chang has almost two decades of clinical experience, including at UCLA and NYU’s Child Study Center. She has a passion for incorporating science into psychological practice with a PhD in psychology from the University of Georgia and an undergraduate degree from Princeton University. She loves watching The Great British Baking Show with her two sons and trying new recipes.
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