My daughter frequently talks to imaginary friends. She has real friends too, bu

1. 79

   Moon Daisyposted 14 years ago

   My daughter frequently talks to imaginary friends.  She has real friends too, but is she lonely?

   replyreport
2. 90

   Patty Inglish, MSposted 14 years ago

   Since she has other friends, I think it shows an effective imagination that will equip her for the future in relationships, schools, jobs, etc. Ask her if she is lonely and see what she says. It might be interesting  for her to describe her imaginary friends to you, if she would do so freely.
   
   Best wishes.

   replyreport
3. 73

   fastfretaposted 14 years ago

   I was told by my pediatrician that it was a sign of intelligence, when my daughter had hers.  She had three imaginary friends that lasted for over a year.  Surprise, surprise she is very intelligent, so at 32 she's proven the doctor's statement to be true, at least for her.

   replyreport
4. 74

   someonewhoknowsposted 14 years ago

   http://www.google.com/search?hl=en& … ary+friend
   
   http://www.seattlepi.com/lifestyle/2026 … ary07.html
   
   The phenomenon of the imaginary friend is really misunderstood," Taylor said. "People thought it was rare -- it's not. People thought it was a red flag -- it's not."
   In fact, previous 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. But a lack of such pals is OK, too.
   
   http://www.trueghosttales.com/paranorma … eal-ghost/

   replyreport
5. 0

   JeanMeriamposted 14 years ago

   My daughter has a few imaginary friends. She doesn’t seem lonely and she sure has fun with her games with the imaginary ones. Imaginary friends are very passive and do whatever she tells them unlike real friends. I wouldn’t worry about it all, as long as she is having fun.

   replyreport
6. 79

   Moon Daisyposted 14 years ago

   Thanks for all of your answers.  They are very helpful and reassuring!  I'm glad that imaginary friends can be indicative of good things!  She certainly does have fun with them, and her verbal skills have always been good.  Patty Inglish, I will ask her to describe her imaginary friends, that would be interesting if she'll tell me.  Thanks for the links someonewhoknows.

   replyreport