Description
Book SynopsisMany parents delight in their child''s imaginary companion as evidence of a lively imagination and creative mind. At the same time, parents sometimes wonder if the imaginary companion might be a sign that something is wrong. Does having a pretend friend mean that the child is in emotional distress? That he or she has difficulty communicating with other children? In this fascinating book, Marjorie Taylor provides an informed look at current thinking about pretend friends, dispelling many myths about them. In the past a child with an imaginary companion might have been considered peculiar, shy, or even troubled, but according to Taylor the reality is much more positive--and interesting. Not only are imaginary companions surprisingly common, the children who have them tend to be less shy than other children. They also are better able to focus their attention and to see things from another person''s perspective. In addition to describing imaginary companions and the reasons children creat
Trade ReviewIt's a lovely introduction into the fantasy life of a child. * Washington Post *
Table of ContentsPreface ; 1. Introduction ; 2. What Are Imaginary Companions Like? ; 3. The Characteristics of Children Who Create Imaginary Companions ; 4. Why Do Children Create Imaginary Companions? ; 5. Do Children Think Their Imaginary Companions Are Real? ; 6. What Happens to the Imaginary Companions Created in Early Childhood? ; 7. Do Older Children and Adults Create Imaginary Companions? ; 8. Fantasy in the Lives of Children and Adults ; Notes ; References ; Acknowledgments ; Permissions ; Index
