However, there are potential provoking factors such as excellent imagination , situations of isolation, prolonged loneliness or social and relational difficulties that can be encountered when children go to kindergarten. “Sometimes an imaginary friend can come from fear or sadness, which are two of the strongest and most activating emotions.”
Advertisement
Is this a cause for concern? “It’s not something to be demonized or overly worried about,” assured the doctor. “It can be a tool that the child uses during the transition phase , a kind of gym to experience relationships and learn how to communicate difficulties.” “ IF ‘ (an acronym for ’ imaginary friends ‘), as John Krasinski calls them in the movie, can help a child explore their emotions, stimulate creativity, and get a feel for how people react to certain ’messages” that obviously come from context. imaginary friend. They also help you feel supported and less lonely.
What do we do if our child doesn’t have IF ? “Not all children have it. There is no need to worry on either side. It is a phenomenon to watch and observe because it tells us something about our child, “says Rizzi, who advises parents to welcome the imaginary phenomenon. friend, do not ridicule it or deny its existence , but understand how it can be replaced to give the child security and support.
When does IF stop being positive? “When it becomes aggressive, constant and pervasive, in a way that invalidates the child’s daily life, restricts them from testing themselves or exploring.” In this case, consultation with a child psychologist and a pediatric neuropsychologist is appropriate. “The first access can be a pediatrician who must know how to give parents the tools to listen to their child, because the first advice is to listen, that is, to try to see from another point of view that imaginary friend , with whom the parent must contact us to get to know them and understand what their function may be ,” explained the doctor. In fact, if understood, they can become allies and a great source of active motivation in all the “tragic” moments of the day, such as brushing teeth or leaving the house.
