When your child chats with an invisible dragon or sets a tea party for stuffed animals, their brain is hard at work. The AAP notes that pretend play helps kids build language, problem‑solving skills, and emotional control. Imaginary friends are common in early childhood and are usually a sign of strong imagination, not a worry. You can support this stage by staying curious, playing along sometimes, and setting gentle limits when needed. If something about your child’s pretend world concerns you, your pediatrician can help you sort out what is typical.
Saturday, September 12, 2026Development
Imaginary Friends, Real Growth: How Pretend Worlds Help Kids Learn
Why made‑up buddies and pretend play are a healthy part of growing up
The Teddy Editorial Desk · Grounded in AAP & CDC guidance
In Brief
The Briefing
Explainer
When Imaginary Friends Often Show Up
Many children start rich pretend play between about ages 3 and 7, when their language and imagination grow fast. Some kids never have an imaginary friend, and that’s normal too. Look more at how your child plays than at whether a friend is “real” or not.
Tips
Play Along—But Keep Real Life Clear
You can join your child’s pretend world (“Should I set a plate for Dragon?”) while still teaching what is real (“The doctor visit is real, but Dragon can come along in our minds”). This helps kids enjoy fantasy while staying grounded.
Guidance
Helping Shy Kids Use Pretend Play
For some children, acting out school, sleepovers, or doctor visits with toys makes new situations feel safer. You can use dolls, stuffed animals, or drawings to “practice” hard moments and give your child simple phrases they can try out in real life.
Explainer
Kids’ Corner: What the Doctor Hears Inside You
You can read this to your child: “When the doctor puts a stethoscope on your chest, it’s like a tiny ear listening to the music your body makes. Your heart goes lub‑DUB, lub‑DUB, pushing blood to help you move and play, and your lungs go whoosh as air goes in and out. Those sounds help the doctor learn how strong and healthy your body is.”
Questions
What Parents Are Asking
For the Clinic
Clinic Takeaway
This week, invite parents to share a favorite story about their child’s pretend play as part of the developmental review at well visits. Use that moment to normalize imagination, screen gently for concerns (fearful themes, blurring reality, social withdrawal), and offer a brief handout on how play supports learning and emotional health. A short, curious conversation can reassure families and surface children who might benefit from closer follow‑up.
Source: AAP Clinical Report: The Power of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong Parent–Child Bonds
Always Available