Imaginary Friends

Children often have imaginary friends, especially from the time they're three until they start elementary school. Sometimes the friends are humans, but other times their mates are animals. These imaginary friends can "appear" from time to time. Or, they can be with a child on a daily basis.

Imaginary friends give a child someone to talk to and play with. These made-up companions always want to play the same games that a child does. And, they can easily carry on a conversation with the child as well. And, why not? Since imaginary friends are a product of a child's mind, the thoughts of the friend will pretty much be the thoughts of the child.

You as a parent or grandparent may wonder if having an imaginary friend is normal for your child. You may also wonder why your child feels the need for such a made-up type of companion. The experts have concluded that imaginary friends are normal for a well-adjusted child to have. Instead of suffering from loneliness, your child can easily conjure up a playmate in a matter of seconds. Or, when your child feels the need to talk to someone he or she can trust, an imaginary friend can fill the need there too. Maybe Mom or Dad is too busy doing work around the house to give the child time.

Another positive thing about your child having an imaginary friend is that you can get clues as to what your child is thinking by listening to "their" conversations. For example, a child will often tell her thoughts through their companion. If you sit down at the dinner table (with the invisible guest being present) and your child says to you, "Jack says he doesn't like carrots," you know who it is that doesn't want to eat his or her vegetables. Why don't they just tell you outright? Your child is probably afraid. Let's say, for another example, the rule of the dinner table is that the child has to eat all their vegetables. Your child knows this is the rule, but they're afraid to try and go against it. But "Jack" can go against the rules since he is a "guest" at the dinner table. And everyone knows that guests don't have to eat their vegetables.