Samantha's parents are growing tired of her best friend Kiki, Samantha's pretend playmate. She only exists in Samantha's imagination. However, to Samantha, Kiki is real. Samantha's family thought it was cute at first, but now they are becoming frustrated with the inconveniences of Kiki's existence. Samantha insists on setting a place at the dinner table for Kiki. She insists that Kiki be buckled
into a seatbelt every time they get into the car. Is Samantha's behavior normal? What should her parents do about Kiki?
What will be an ideal response?
Between 60% and 70% of children under the age of 7 have played with imaginary companions. For some children the imaginary friend may be a toy or a person. Piaget argues imaginary friends are a healthy part of children's cognitive development and adults should not discourage it. Children can be quite creative with their imaginary friends and give them human or superhuman powers. Benefits of having an imaginary friend include helping children deal with fears, practice conflict resolution, and cooperate with other children during play. Kiki should not worry Samantha's parents unless Samantha seems depressed, has no real friends, or claims to be controlled by the invisible companion and forced to do things she does not want to do.
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