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Childhood

Imaginary friends: Is it ok for children to have one?

Expert: Dr Ana Aznar
Masterclass structure: 9 lessons (7:27 minutes)

About this class

Does your child have an imaginary friend? Are you worried that there may be something wrong with them? In this mini masterclass, Dr Ana Aznar explains the science behind imaginary friends and whether it is OK or not for children to have one. This masterclass is useful for parents whose child has an imaginary friend or has had an imaginary friend in the past.

 

About the expert

Dr Ana Aznar is a developmental psychologist with a special interest in parenting, family relations and children’s socioemotional development. Her work has been published in scientific journals as well as in the popular press. She collaborates with different universities and is the founder and CEO of REC Parenting.

About the expert

Dr Ana Aznar is a developmental psychologist with a special interest in parenting, family relations and children’s socioemotional development. Her work has been published in scientific journals as well as in the popular press. She collaborates with different universities and is the founder and CEO of REC Parenting.

Lessons in this class

10 Lessons (7:27min)
0. Lesson - Aim of this masterclass 0:16
1. Lesson - How do we define imaginary friends? 0:55
2. Lesson - Is it very common to have imaginary friends? 0:58
3. Lesson - At what age do children have imaginary friends? 0:25
4. Lesson - Characteristics of imaginary friends 0:31
5. Lesson - Do children know that the imaginary friend is not real? 0:30
6. Lesson - Are children with and without imaginary friends different? 1:59
7. Lesson - Why might children with and without imaginary friends be different? 0:57
8. Lesson - My child has an imaginary friend: what to do 0:38
9. Lesson - Take home message 0:18

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