why do kids create imaginery friends

When you were a kid did you ever invent your own imaginary friend to keep you company? It is completely normal for a child to have an imaginary friend as they are growing up. Actually according to a psychologist having an imaginary friend can be good for a child. Here are a few reasons why;

1. It promotes creativity

It takes a very creative mind to not only imagine a whole other person but to also imagine all the things that person says or does. So if your child has an imaginary friend doesn't discourage them.

2. It promotes abstract thinking

Abstract thinking involves the ability to understand and think with complex concepts that, while real, are not tied to concrete experiences, objects, people, or situations. Being an important skill abstract thinking isn't something all children are born with so having an active imagination and building whole new friends the better for them to understand concepts like; Humor, Imagination, Friendship, Freedom, Jealousy, Success, and Love.

3. Helps a child cope with real-life events

Children in difficult family situations are more likely to develop imaginary friends to comfort them. Maybe parents are going through a divorce or if there is a death in the family. Don't discourage a child from having an imaginary friend especially during these times.