Imaginary Friends: A Child's Secret Weapon for Social Development?
During Covid lockdowns, many children developed imaginary friends, like my son and his book-based pal, 'Big Bat'. Psychology professor Tracy Gleason explains that these friends can be anything, animated and personified by the child. Studies show up to 65% of 7-year-olds have them. Contrary to common assumptions, this isn't a sign of loneliness. Instead, it's a safe space for kids to navigate complex social dynamics, experiment with friendship rules and boundaries, and even express emotions and self-regulate. Imaginary friends can be kind or mischievous, mirroring the child's understanding of relationships. In short, imaginary friends are a normal and common part of childhood, often driven by fun and exploration, not psychological issues.