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the ages of three and eight, Dr Bouldin's evidence, reported in the Journal of Genetic Psychology, indicates that children with imaginary friends are prone to spending more time daydreaming and tend to have more mythical content in both their dreams and play. Dr Bouldin claims that these children can "almost ... see and hear the contents of their daydream in front of them".

But is there anything wrong with this? Not according to Albert Einstein. "Imagination," he chimed, "is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world." And, if the achievements of Robert Louis Stevenson, who had a host of imaginary companions during childhood, are anything to go by, then perhaps imagination in children should be nurtured and not dismissed.

Studies have shown that kids who invent imaginary friends, whether invisible beings or personified toys, tend to have better verbal skills and better social understanding.

What do imaginary friends do?

Well in our household, Pantyhose seemed to eat a lot of lollies and cordial and take the best seat on the couch, which was quite annoying when all seven of us gathered to watch television in a small lounge room.

According to child psychologists though, imaginary friends can play a valuable role in a child's development, in a number of ways.

The obvious is a playmate whose companionship allows the child to express creativity through games and exploring alternative ways of achieving things. In this sense, the child also gets to practice social skills like, how to relate and get on with others.

Imaginary friends also provide a safety net for a child, giving them permission to test their emotions and feelings out in an environment where they are not going to receive criticism or negative feedback. Invisible companions allow a child to express emotions like anger or fear, by referring to the emotion as their friends'. Pantyhose, for example, was afraid of the dark.

A child can feel grown up and in control by being in charge of their imaginary friend, because it gives them the opportunity to make decisions that adults would generally do. This allows the child to feel in control of their life particularly at a time when it seems others are controlling them.

The way in which a child interacts with an imaginary friend can give clues on how they are coping with the parenting style. For example children who are restricted by too many rules, and are always expected to be good and proper may have a naughty friend. In this

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