Search results
Jan 21, 2020 · Imaginary friends come in handy for handling uncomfortable situations, as an outlet for feelings they don’t understand or can’t express or as an excuse for poor or destructive behavior.
- Overview
- What does it mean?
- Is it OK for kids to have an imaginary friend?
- How should a parent react?
- What age do kids grow out of it?
- Is it linked to schizophrenia?
- What about if an adult has an imaginary friend?
- When to see a doctor
- The bottom line
- GeneratedCaptionsTabForHeroSec
Having an imaginary friend, sometimes called an imaginary companion, is considered a normal and even healthy part of childhood play.
Research on imaginary friends has been ongoing for decades, with doctors and parents alike wondering whether it’s healthy or “normal.”
Most research has shown again and again that it’s typically a natural part of childhood for many children.
Earlier research states as many as 65 percent of children up to age 7 had an imaginary friend.
It’s not uncommon for children to create imaginary friends or companions — someone they can talk to, interact with, and play with.
These pretend friends may take the form of anything: an invisible friend, an animal, something fantastical, or within an item, like a toy or stuffed animal.
Most research has shown that having an imaginary friend is a healthy form of childhood play. Studies have even found there may be some benefits for development in those children who create imaginary companions.
Benefits may include:
•superior social cognition
•more sociability
While some parents may be concerned, it’s completely normal for a child to have an imaginary friend.
Compared to children who don’t have an imaginary friend, children who do aren’t different in the following ways:
•most personality traits
•family structure
•number of nonimaginary friends
•experience in school
If your child tells you about their imaginary friend, ask questions. You can learn more about your child, their interests, and what the imaginary friend may be doing for them.
For example, is their imaginary friend teaching them how to deal with friendships?
It can also help to play along. Set an extra place at dinner, or ask your child if their friend is coming on trips, for instance.
If your child or their pretend friend becomes demanding or causes problems, you can set boundaries. There’s no need to give into bad behavior, pretend or otherwise. Plus, setting boundaries can be a teaching moment.
Some parents worry that children with imaginary friends don’t have a good grasp on reality versus imagination, but this isn’t typically true.
In fact, most children understand their imaginary friends are pretend.
Every child is different and will grow out of this part of their lives at their own time. There are more reports of children under 7 with imaginary friends, though other reports have shown imaginary friends existing in children up to 12 years old.
There’s no need to worry if an older child still speaks about their imaginary friend.
When it comes to a vivid imagination, parents may question whether their child is in fact experiencing hallucinations or psychosis.
Having an imaginary friend isn’t the same as experiencing these symptoms, which are often associated with schizophrenia.
Schizophrenia doesn’t typically show symptoms until a person is between 16 and 30 years old.
Childhood-onset schizophrenia is rare and difficult to diagnose. When it does occur, it usually happens after age 5 but before 13.
Some symptoms of childhood schizophrenia include:
•paranoia
There’s not a lot of research on imaginary friends in adulthood.
In a recent study, researchers did find that 7.5 percent of those studied reported experiencing an imaginary friend as an adult. However, this was a small sample size and had some limitations. Further research is needed.
With that being said, there seems to be no indication that an imaginary friend continuing into adulthood means anything different than one in childhood.
It may just be a sign of coping or of a strong imagination, though experts are unsure.
Most times, imaginary friends are harmless and normal. But if you believe your child is experiencing something more, see their primary doctor.
Any time the behaviors and moods of your child shift dramatically or start to worry you, reach out for support from your child’s doctor or a mental health professional.
If your child’s imaginary friend ever becomes scary, aggressive, or frightening to your child, an evaluation with a mental health professional can give you peace of mind.
To find a doctor near you, follow these links:
•psychiatrist locator
•psychologist locator
Having an imaginary friend is a normal and healthy part of childhood play. Having one has even shown benefits in childhood development.
If your child has an imaginary friend, it’s totally OK. They can grow out of it in their own time as they stop needing the skills that their companion is teaching them.
Imaginary friends are normal and healthy parts of childhood play for most children. They can help with social cognition, coping, and creativity. Learn about the purposes, benefits, and risks of having an imaginary friend, and how to react if your child tells you about their pretend companion.
Imaginary friends (also known as pretend friends, invisible friends or made-up friends) are a psychological and a social phenomenon where a friendship or other interpersonal relationship takes place in the imagination rather than physical reality.
Feb 15, 2024 · Learn what an imaginary friend is, how long they last, why kids have them, and what benefits they bring. Find out when to be concerned and how to support your child if they have an imaginary friend.
- Victoria Hamilton
An imaginary friend is normal for kids, according to clinical psychologist Kate Eshleman, PsyD. She explains how to handle your child’s make-believe pals and when to see a pediatrician if you have concerns. Learn the benefits and perks of having an imaginary friend and how to respond to your child’s questions about their friend.
Aug 10, 2022 · Imaginary friends are common among preschoolers and can help them explore the world, gain perspective and cope with stress. Learn what imaginary friends mean, how they differ from fantasy and when to consult a psychologist.
Oct 16, 2021 · Up to two-thirds of kids experience imaginary companions. An imaginary friend indicates how a child's mind merges sensations and real perceptions with imaginings, desires, anticipations, and...
