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Imaginary Friends

Your child can be the tallest, fastest or prettiest and is always the winner of the pair. When it comes to an object of desire, some children fulfil their wish by invention.

Why kids invent imaginary friends - Today's Parent

Children quite commonly invent a family pet or can be heard talking to Spiderman or Snow White in their bedroom. Made-up mates can be a useful for boosting confidence, which in turn can help a child stand up to bullies. Children with imaginary friends are much less likely to be bored. Make-believe mates demonstrate an ability to be creative with spare time.

Imaginary friends

Some children use their imaginary friend to convey a message they feel unable to say themselves, such as: An imaginary friend belongs to the person who invents it and no one else. It does not have to be shared with friends or family. Fantasy friends are far from a poor replacement for real friends. Research reveals that children with imaginary friends are less inclined to be shy and are more popular.

Why kids invent imaginary friends

Imaginary friends are particularly common among children with newborn siblings. It is thought that the conjured-up companion provides comfort and replaces any lost parental attention.


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A fantasy friend can give a child the perfect opportunity to practice something they want to say to someone in reality. It also gives them the chance to practice their verbal skills, which is why children with imaginary friends tend to be more articulate. Children with absent family members or lost friends will often reinvent the person in invisible form as a healthy coping mechanism.

It is quite common for a child to interact in their imagination with a close companion who has recently left school or a deceased grandparent.


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  8. Somewhat surprisingly, imaginary enemies have also been found to be a healthy coping mechanism. Children may invent someone to thrash out a dispute they are having at school. Research has shown that children with imaginary enemies are more able to manage their anger and understand individual differences.

    The Magic of Imaginary Friends

    Parents will breathe a sigh of relief following the news that being asked to set an extra place at A child suffering from night terrors is hugely upsetting for everyone in the family. Are you the parent of a child who just does not seem to fit into school? How common are imaginary friends? Having an imaginary companion is common in preschool and beyond. According to a study by University of Washington and University of Oregon psychologists, by age seven, 65 percent of children have had an imaginary companion at some point. Research indicates eldest or only children, like Jackson, are more likely to invent imaginary friends.

    Should parents be worried?

    Why kids invent imaginary friends

    Why do kids create imaginary friends? According to Kimberly Eckert, a registered psychologist in Calgary, children often create playmates just to engage in imaginative play the way another child might play with action figures , but sometimes they do so when bored or lonely.

    An imaginary friend can also be used as a form of self-soothing during a big transition, such as adjusting to a new home or sibling. Creating and sustaining an imaginary friendship is a sophisticated cognitive skill, says Eckert. When do imaginary friends go away? Imaginary companions usually disappear by the time kids head off to school, where pretend friends are less socially acceptable. How to help your kids make friends Shy kids: Do we really need to change them?

    Helping your kid deal with a best friend breakup.