imaginary friends

Who hasn’t had imaginary friends as children. Childhood is not exactly the stage of life from which we have the most memories.although these are very vivid, we have repeated them many times and they accompany us throughout our lives.

On the other hand, there are experiences that, although they do not reside in our memory, are remembered over and over again by our family members, until we assume them as our own. Our imaginary friend is usually classified in that form of “pseudomemory”.

Focusing on this topic, we can say that, beyond the reasons why a child has an imaginary friend, it is good that as reference people in their lives we know how to position ourselves and accompany them in this situation. Getting angry with the little ones is not the best thing to dosince it is a mental process that we all (or most) have gone through.

What imaginary friends say

friend Children deposit all their frustrations, their desires and their choices in these imaginary friends.

If your little one’s invisible friend doesn’t like broccoli, the child probably prefers to eat something else and doesn’t know how to say it. Imaginary friends may change shape over time. and by name or new members “join” the team.

And in the same way they arrive, they also leave. At the moment when the little one reaches a certain maturity and the child realizes that he no longer needs it, the friend takes his invisible suitcase and leaves along the same path he used to appear.

Imaginary Friends: Questions and Answers for Parents

Some parents come to the consultation with a school psychologist or educational psychologist to ask about their children’s imaginary friends. The most common doubts are the following:

Is it something pathological?

No, our little ones are not sick or have mental problems for stating that they have an imaginary friend. About a third of children ages 2 to 6 have created at least one.

The parents’ reaction is usually one of concern and surprise, but There is nothing to worry about as long as the child continues with his normal activities. and maintain real friendships with other children.

Why is this happening?

When children turn two years old they have the ability to develop what is known as “symbolic play.”

There is no need to be scared by it, but rather enjoy that they are carrying out their imaginary skillswhich can then be reinforced with reading books or certain intellectual or artistic classes.

How to recognize it?

If your child has an invisible friend You will realize it because he himself will be in charge of describing it. and to talk about him. He may or may not have human characteristics, and his personality is probably similar to that of the child.

What I can do?

This is the quintessential question in relation to children’s imaginary friends. As a first measure, do not challenge the child because it has presented an invisible character.

Perhaps other family members and friends do not understand why another dish is put on the table for “Pepito” or “Pirula”, or that you have to think as if you had an additional child. But the important thing is to “play along.” The idea is to accompany the children in this process and not see or feel it as something bad.

Now, there is no need to go to the other extreme either. Let your child bring up the topic of the imaginary friend, Don’t urge him to think about him, go along with him and if you don’t “hold the hand” of both of you, say that you are distracted and haven’t noticed. Apologize to “Pepín” and that’s it.

When to worry?

An imaginary friend can become a worry when the child becomes obsessed with itin such a way that he cannot carry out any other activity, interact with people of flesh and blood, fall behind with his tasks, do not want to leave the room, change his temperament, etc.

In those cases, it is good to go to see a psychologist.. If none of this happens, let her friendship continue until the child just gets tired or bored of her.