When your child has an imaginary friend

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Imaginary friends are a normal part of development for three and four-year-olds and are by no means an indicator of a lonely child. More often than not they're a way for children to express their creativity. Pretend playmates allow different scenarios, feelings and thoughts to be tried and tested.

Going to nursery is a big change, and having an imaginary friend at this time can be an effective coping strategy. Listen discreetly to the conversations, as they can tell you how your child's feeling. As long as your little one has plenty of opportunity for real friends and play, the imaginary chums will probably disappear when school starts.
Annette Maloney, health visitor.

By Annette Maloney

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angela, about 1 year

my four year old has had an imaginary friend for a while. he blames everything on him. he says funny things aswell, we dont feel the need to worry about it, although he has been at nursery for over a year, he has started crying every time i leave him, its really stressfull, its only been for the last month or so, i have worked part time since he was six months ols so we are a bit puzzled to why he is like this.

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