“At what age is it still ok for your child to have an imaginary friend?”
My 9 year old has an imaginary friend named, Daniel. At what age is it still ok for your child to have an imaginary friend?
6 Answers
I’m not a psychiatrist, nor psychologist, yet I don’t have a problem with a child having an imaginary friend. I myself did. Theoretically, I turned out OK. Speak to your doctors and see if he should get an evaluation. I’m sorry he or she, should get an evaluation or not. I don’t think it’s unheard of
Thank you for your question at FADT. So, typically as the child's brain matures and is more able to think abstractly, then the need for an imaginary friend gradually decreases. Generally speaking the human brain starts gradually maturing in adolescence, but the full brain maturation does not complete until age 25-26 years. I hope this helps, thank you! Dr. Dodd, MD
5 years
There is no definite answer, though 9 is generally a bit older than average. It would be important . I would suggest discussing this with a professional who knows your child like his pediatrician-It would be important to understand the need that the imaginary friend plays. It may be worth having him work with a counselor to better understand the need and help him move on to a more developmentally appropriate coping mechanism.
I think mine lasted until I was 11.
"okay" really depends on the child's understanding of the imaginary friend. Then understanding the child's interaction/integration into other aspects of their life. A one time evaluation form a psychiatrist of therapist can help clarify if there should be any concern of if the child is within normal development.
