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“I didn’t do it.
If you don’t know who Bobby is, it can throw you off at first.
Does having an imaginary friend mean your toddler is unhappy?
Is it a sign of a health issue?
Should you go along with it or tell her this buddy isn’t real?
Here’s what you should know about your toddler’s imaginary friend.
What is an imaginary friend?
An imaginary friend is, you guessed it, a companion your kid conjures up using her imagination.
Some kids hang on to one pretend pal for months.
Why do kids have imaginary friends?
That’s unlikely to be the issue.
Kiddos create fictional buddies for many reasons:
When do imaginary friends appear?
Make-believe friends usually show up when kids are around 2 and a half to 3 years old.
More on Early Learning
Is it normal to have imaginary friends?
Not only are imaginary friends normal for kids, they’re extremely common.
If your preschooler does have an invisible pal, there’s likely no reason to worry.
How should I respond to my child’s imaginary friend?
Should you play along?
Or talk about some of the things they do for fun.
If the friend asks you questions, respond.
But don’t start conversations with the imaginary friend yourself.
That’s fine too.
Just don’t feel you have to cook extras or go out of your way for an imaginary friend.
Also, don’t let an invisible friend get away with misbehaving.
For instance, the scribbling on the wall (again) might be blamed on the friend.
When do imaginary friends become a problem?
Kids with imaginary friends have lots of real friends too.
That said, if you have any concerns or questions, bring them to the pediatrician’s attention.
Also reach out to the doc if:
When do imaginary friends go away?
Your child may spend time with her imaginary friend for several months or possibly years.
Instead of worrying about the imaginary relationship, think of the many perks your child may experience.
Embrace it and have fun!
Your kiddo will grow out of the imaginary pal phase eventually.
Until then, remember to provide plenty of real-life companions and opportunities for imaginative play.
That way your kid will get the best of both worlds!
