imaginary friends - can they ever be a bad thing?

[bigmouthstrikesagain]

My son (will be 3 in August) has a superhero imaginary friend who can fly and save us all etc. and he talks about and too him alot. I have thought this is a good thing showing imagination and developing social skills so no worries.

But my DH has started me worrying about this as he asked last night (one of those just before you go to sleep convo's)- 'do you think he is a bit young to have an imaginary friend - do you think he is lonely?'.

This has obsessed me all day as in the past year we have moved away from our old city home (and friends) and had a new baby now 1. I have not made much of an effort to make friends in new area (too knackered ) so far. Now I am doing toddler groups etc. in prep for nursery etc. but I am feeling guilty that p'haps my ds has missed out on socialisation for a while and it is coming out now?

Really this is a minor problem (if it is a problem) but I am a worrier ... so should i just chill???? thanks in advance.

I don't know if there is a link between being lonely and having imaginary friends - I always thought it was normal. I agree with you that it shows a good imagination.
Antony Browne has written a picture book about an imaginary friend called ' The Night Shimmy' if you're interested.

According to my MIL my dh had two imaginary friends as a toddler. He is now an extremely extroverted, sociable person.

I could be wrong, but I think that it is probably only a sign of a very imaginative young child.

My ds 2.4 frequently tells me to come to the door because the gruffalo is there. We just indulge the fantasy ( and answer the door, and say hello to the gruffalo, I am sure the neighbours think that we are mad) - he'll outgrow it soon enough!

still think that making up friends could be a sign that real ones are required though...

I always thought that it's quite normal to have imaginary friends at your ds' age. A friend's little has one, and apparently her imaginary friend now has one too!

I think it is a good idea to get your ds used to group situations and other children his own age! But don't worry about the imaginary friend - I think it is quite usual. Good luck!