Is it OK for a toddler to have an imaginary friend?

Not only are imaginary friends normal, they’re extremely common. First, imaginary friends give toddlers a chance to exert control over their environment. While real friends might take their playthings or disagree about what games to play, imaginary friends won’t, which makes them ideal companions.

Are imaginary friends a problem?

The bottom line. 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.

Is it normal for kids to have a pretend friend?

Imaginary friends are a common—and normal—manifestation for many kids across many stages of development. In fact, by age 7, 65 percent of children will have had an imaginary friend, according to a 2004 study. Imaginary friends are a symptom of developing social intelligence in a kid.

Is having an imaginary friend unhealthy?

Is it normal for a child to have an imaginary friend?

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: In the past, experts believed having an imaginary friend indicated an issue or a mental health condition. According to current research

Is my child’s imaginary friend a sign of schizophrenia?

If your child has sudden disruptive changes in their behavior and is experiencing something much more than an imaginary friend, reach out to their pediatrician or a mental health professional. While schizophrenia symptoms and imaginary friends are often different and separate, there are other mental and physical conditions that may have a link.

How do I find a doctor to talk to about imaginary friends?

To find a doctor near you, follow these links: You may also seek a licensed counselor, psychiatric nurse practitioner, or other doctor who can help. Having an imaginary friend is a normal and healthy part of childhood play.

Why do adults with Down syndrome have imaginary friends?

Dissociative disorders are mental health conditions where a person experiences a disconnect from reality. Other research has suggested that adults with Down syndrome have a higher rate of imaginary companions and are more likely to keep these friends into adulthood. What about if an adult has an imaginary friend?