Imaginary Friends - Ordinary Or Trouble?

You watch as little three year-old Tyler climbs into his chair and then slides over, calling to Ogh to climb up too. Ogh who? Ogh, the Monkey. Watch out mommy, you almost stepped on his tail!

At the age of three, toddlers begin to join in fantasy playing. They may personify objects or create imaginary friends. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, this is a positive sign. I agree. Fantasy play and imaginary friends are part of a toddler's emotional development. They may even continue using their imagination even after this developmental stage.

Your child is not upset, nor are they lonely. Creating an imaginary friend is actually a very creative process. Some children create an imaginary friend, some personify objects, and some children don't. Your child talking to the imagined friend or to the moon may occur for long periods of time, or they may change their friend every day. Even the species of the imaginary friend may differ. For your toddler, reality becomes fantasy which becomes reality, and so forth. So threatening your child that you will feed him to the dog...may be believed at this age period.

Imaginary friends allow toddlers to explore and connect to emotions. Your child will develop activities, conversations, behaviors, and emotions for themselves by reacting to the personalities of their friend. Thus, don't make fun of your toddler. If your child invites you, join in the fantasy. Plant a few ideas and see how your child plays out the imaginative scene. A mother I know showed her toddler pictures of the Safari, and the next day her daughter's new friend was Croca, the crocodile.

At this age, your toddler is learning independence. With your toddler's personality developing, take time to talk and listen to your three year-old toddler while you buckle him and Ogh into the car seat.

Article by Amanda Myrkalo
As a young woman learning about motherhood, my articles stem from research, observation, and personal experience. I write for a variety of blog sites based on pregnancy, infants, and toddlers. I find my baby products at BabyAge.com. Visit the website at http://www.babyage.com to access some amazing baby products!

Posted in: Toddler Taming