Why Your Child Having an Imaginary Friend Is Actually a Really Great Thing

Research has shown that the number one reason kids create imaginary friends is simple: fun! While the stereotype is that kids might need an invisible companion to help them cope with emotional distress, loneliness, or social discomfort, in reality, most kids with imaginary friends tend to be even more social and outgoing than their peers who don't have imaginary companions. Other reasons kids create imaginary friends: as a way to engage in imaginative play (kind of like playing with dolls or action figures), to counter boredom, to self-soothe during a transition period, and to practice social skills in a controlled environment.