Imaginary Friends are Perfectly Safe and Even Beneficial for Kids
by SixWise.com
By
the age of seven, about two-thirds of all children have played
with one or more imaginary friends, and about a third still
have such friends by the age of seven. According to a new
joint University of Oregon and Washington University study,
not only is that normal but the imaginary friends can be quite
beneficial to the kids.
The
imaginary companions can offer bona fide companionship, fun
and even help children cope with challenging experiences and
resolve conflicts. When they are afraid of the dark, for example,
they may "talk it through" with their imaginary
friend.
The
idea that pretend companions indicate underdeveloped maturity
in kids who were starting school was largely initiated by
Sigmund Freud and popularized by psychologist Jean Piaget
back in the 1960s. But whether they are invisible humans (57%),
animals (41%), or even dolls like Barbie, the imaginary friends
are typically not a cause for any concern.
Children's imaginary friends, such as
this actual 7-inch elephant imagined
by one youngster, may help them
cope with conflicts and challenges.
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One
exception is if a child states that the imaginary companion
is telling him or her to do something they don't want to do,
or controlling them in some manner. In these kinds of cases
it is recommended to seek psychological help.
Various
parenting experts have even suggested that listening in on
children's conversations with their pretend friends in a non-intrusive
way can help parents achieve some valuable insights. For example,
they may learn of fears or interests of children they were
not previously aware of.
27%
of children in the recent study described imaginary companions
their parents were not even knowledgeable about. Some of the
more unusual imaginary friends cited included a 7-inch-tall
elephant and a 100-year-old GI Joe doll ... who may be quite
wise, come to think of it.
Sources
UW
News