Parents often worry when they find their toddler interacting with an imaginary friend. But the fact is your child is more creative and ingenious when he makes friends from his imagination. Read on to learn why most children make imaginary friends. There are many reasons why small children create unreal friends. If your toddler talks to an imaginary friends or pretends to play with him, you need not worry because he is simply looking for companionship and for some fun and recreation.
Imaginary friends are commonly created when there is only one child at home, or if a parent is more absent than present in a child’s life or even if the child is just shy. The imaginary friend can be in the form of some incarnate object like his doll, teddy bear or even an animal toy to which he can speak to and play with. Most often the child makes his favourite toy take the form of an invisible person. No matter
What should Parents do?
As a parent you should relax and enjoy because your child is well aware that his friend is not real. By observing your child you can learn about his fears, interests, wishes and concerns as he will share all his feelings with the made-up friend. You can even give an extra place on the dining table for the friend if your child wants that. The only thing you should do is ensure that your friend has real friends also along with imaginary ones.
Why do Children make Imaginary Friends?
Exercise Control over Environment –
Young children do not like to share their toys. Toddlers find that imaginary friends behave as per their will and do not take their toys or other playthings. They get the chance to make use of their power in the environment. Your child will find that he is the superior one always no matter what he does.
Displace the Blame –
– Children find it very easy to put the blame on their imaginary friend if anything is broken or they fear scolding for any work. Your child can also express his strong feelings by the help of his imaginary friend.
Build Confidence and a Sense of Security –
Made-up friends help boost confidence which can help him face the bullies in preschool. He will also help build a sense of security and comfort in your child and exhibit signs of bravery.
Get Rid of Boredom –
Most often friends from the world of fantasy are best to shun boredom because they are available whenever your child wants him to be there.
Draw Parents’ Attention –
It has been observed that if a new child comes and parents get busy with him paying comparatively less attention to the elder one, the older child finds comfort in talking and spending time with his imaginary friend.
Grow Up –
Many children have imaginary friends because this gives them a feeling of being a part of the adult world.
Cope with Change or Stress –
Most often when there is a change, such as house shifting or arrival of a new sibling, children like to talk to their imaginary friends. They also do this if they want to attain a new skill. The child will find reassurance in front of his fantasy friend.
Therefore, imaginary friends are part and parcel of growing up. Parents need to take imaginary friendships with a pinch of salt unless it seems that your child is getting obsessive about his imaginary friends. If your child refuses to divert his attention to anyone or anything else, it may be indicate some kind of psychological issue and parents are advised to consult a psychologist in such a case.
Does your child have an imaginary friend? How do you behave when your child interacts with his imaginary friend? Do you know why kids make imaginary friends? Discuss here.
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- The Indiaparenting Team
I always felt that single children used to have imaginary friends. But later I realized this is not the case as my second kid also had imaginary friends. I guess its a matter of security that kid make imaginary friends. really liked this write-up as it game me an insight into my kid's life.
really an interesting topic. My 2 yr old daughter also speaks to her imaginary friends and has kept names for them. I found it amusing but after reading this, i came to know the real reason. Quite an insightful article!!!
Very interesting topic and insightful thoughts. My kid usually talk to her teddy bear like her own friend. I admire the way she acts but sometimes the emotions are very sentimental. She blurts it out when something happens in her CBSE school. It is important to have real friends too.
