Photo: dospaz / Flickr

Does your child have a friend that only they can see? It can be quite unnerving if your child introduces you to someone or something that is invisible and even more complicated when you have to include this ‘new friend’ in your family routine and daily activities. It is also confusing as a parent to figure out how to respond. Do you reprimand your child, tell them that it is all in their imagination or support them and thus involve their imaginary friend? Is having an imaginary friend a sign that your child is unhappy or distressed?

Because they can

If your child is talking to someone only they can see, do not panic. Having an imaginary friend is common among little ones and is a perfect outlet for their creativity, curiosity and resourcefulness. Children have imaginary friends simply because they can. When we get older, it becomes more difficult to delve into fantasy and speaking to your imaginary friend at the age of 24 is bound to raise some eyebrows. Children do not have those social limitations, leaving them free to explore both the real world and the ones they create.

Should I be concerned?

Having an imaginary friend becomes a problem if your child substitutes their real life for their imaginary one. The new ‘friend’ should not interfere with their social activities. Children who have imaginary friends often blame them for their own misbehaviour and this should also not be permitted. Your child should still be held responsible for whatever they have done.

Although you do not have to go as far as setting a place at the table for your child’s new companion, it could be an opportunity to interact with your child and teach them new things. It could also give you some access to what your child is thinking and bring the two of you closer. Having an imaginary friend is not a sign of any disorder. Monitor your child’s behavior, but do not distress them unnecessarily.

Tags: children, friends, Parenting