As parents, we all want our children to grow up happy and healthy. We want them to have friends, to play, to learn, and to be creative.

But what happens when our children start to invent their own imaginary friends, or even claim to see magical creatures that we can’t see?.

Is it normal for children to have fantastical friends, or should we be concerned about their mental wellbeing? In this article, we’ll explore the topic of kids and fantastical friends, and what parents can do to support their child’s imagination while also keeping an eye out for any potential issues.

What Are Fantastical Friends?

When we talk about fantastical friends, we’re referring to the imaginary creatures or characters that children sometimes create in their minds.

These friends can take on many forms, from invisible playmates to magical animals or even fantastical beings like unicorns or dragons.

For some children, these friends are a natural part of their imaginative play, and they may come and go as the child’s interests and imagination change.

For other children, however, these friends can become a more integral part of their lives, with the child talking to them, interacting with them, and even believing that they are real.

Is It Normal for Kids to Have Fantastical Friends?

The short answer is yes, it is perfectly normal for children to have imaginary friends or to imagine fantastical creatures.

In fact, research suggests that as many as two-thirds of young children have had an imaginary friend at some point in their lives.

Imaginary friends can be a sign of a child’s active imagination, creativity, and social skills.

Children with imaginary friends often talk to them, play with them, and imagine scenarios and adventures with them, which can help develop their language and social skills.

Imaginary friends can also be a way for children to cope with loneliness, anxiety, or stress.

In some cases, children may create an imaginary friend as a way to deal with a major life change, such as moving to a new home, starting a new school, or experiencing trauma or abuse.

When Should You Be Concerned?

While imaginary friends are generally considered a normal and healthy part of childhood, there are some situations where parents should keep an eye out for any potential issues.

Some signs that your child’s imaginary friend may be more than just a friendly playmate include:.

Your child insists that their friend is real, and becomes upset or defensive when you suggest otherwise
Your child’s behavior changes when they are with their friend – for example, they may become aggressive, angry, or withdrawn
Your child’s imaginary friend starts to control or dictate their behavior, or encourages them to do things that are dangerous or harmful (for example, a friend who tells your child to keep a dangerous secret)
Your child is unable to make friends with real children, and seems to prefer spending all their time with their imaginary friend

If you notice any of these signs, it may be worth talking to your child’s pediatrician or a mental health professional to rule out any underlying issues.

What Can Parents Do to Support Their Child’s Fantastical Friends?

If your child has an imaginary friend or believes in fantastical creatures, there are several things that you can do to support their imagination while also keeping them safe and healthy:.

Respect your child’s beliefs and imagination, and avoid dismissing or belittling their fantastical friends or ideas
Listen to your child when they talk about their imaginary friend, and try to engage with them in their play and storytelling
Help your child distinguish between fantasy and reality, and explain that while their friends may be imaginary, they are still important and valued
Encourage your child to make real friends and engage in activities that help them build social and emotional skills

The Bottom Line

Having fantastical friends is a normal and healthy part of childhood imagination, and can help children develop their language, social skills, and creativity.

However, parents should be mindful of any signs that their child’s imaginary friends may be causing distress or interfering with their daily life.

By supporting their child’s imagination while also being aware of any potential issues, parents can help their children navigate the complex and wonderful world of childhood fantasy and make the most of their imaginative play and storytelling.