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Anyone who has seen "Drop Dead Fred", a classic 1980's comedy, about a grown woman who rediscovers her childhood imaginary friend, could possibly argue that childhhod imaginary friends, are not something that should be encouraged in children. However, as many other article writers have written, imagination and pretend play, is an important element in children's learning. Take for example a young girl, who brings her doll to life (in her imagination) to role play. Watch her as she changes the doll's nappy or clothes, feeds it a bottle, and cuddles it when it 'cries'. Imagination is needed for all kinds of play and thus learning development. We as adults imagine every day when considering how to acheive whatever goal it is that we are working. But how is all this relevant to your child having an imaginary friend? How do you know whether or not supporting your child's imaginary beliefs is appropriate to foster their development? Before you start having serious conversations with your child about saying goodbye to their friend, perhaps consider why your child may need or want them around, often they are used as an outlet for emotion, this could help you better communicate with your child.

First, let's look at some common theories, that are believed in general, to explain why a child may have an imaginary friend.

Another more common belief that a child may create an imaginary friend, is that in some way or another the child may be feeling some form of 'emptiness', for want of a better word. That is not to say that all children who have imaginary friends do so because they have suffered neglect, no need to start a panic and get in deep, let me further explain. This is usually more the case in older children who, according to development norms should have "outgrown the phase' of needing an imaginary friend.

In saying this, let's look at what your child may be gaining from their imaginary friendship, and wether or not the imaginary friend should be a cause for concern. What is your child's daily routine? Are they in school or kindergarten? Do they socialise with other children their age, siblings or children in the neighbour hood? and yes I'll be crass enough to ask, do they watch TV?, this includes children's programs? I'm not about to lecture on violent videos and video games being detrimental to your childs health. Now take in to account that the answers to these questions could answer your concerns in one of many ways.

If your child has a lot of social interaction

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