Many young children in the early years invent imaginary companions (IC), also called imaginary friends.
The IC can be completely invisible or embedded in a toy or other object. About two-thirds of children report having IC during childhood.
But is having IC healthy for children? Some parents worry that having an imaginary friend can get in the way of real-life friendships, stunt their social-emotional development, and challenge their sense of reality.
But research shows that having IC is not only a normal childhood experience, but it serves to provide practical opportunities for the child. theory of mindrepresenting what others are likely to think. Imaginary friends can improve a child’s ability to empathize and understand others’ points of view.
Author Peter Karnavas explores imagination friendship in her chapter book for elementary school children, Leo and Ralphsweet story imagination and loved for who we are.
Heather Rose Artushin (HRA): Share a little about your background and what inspired you to write Leo and Ralph.
Peter Karnavas (Computer): I write and illustrate children’s books, having published over 25 books and graphic novels. I aim to write stories with layers of meaning and books that can be read aloud in schools or at home. I also worked as a primary school teacher and library teacher.
I wrote Leo and Ralph to celebrate imagination and those kids who float around the edges of the classroom and the edges of the playground—kids who feel like they don’t quite fit in. This story is about finding friends who appreciate who we are and about the positive influence that supportive adults can have on children.
HRA: Your novel explores the world of Leo, a boy who has had an imaginary friend named Ralph since childhood. Did you have an imaginary friend as a child? What role do you think imaginary friends play in the growing up process?
Computer: I never had an imaginary friend. As an author, I’ve spent a lot of time with fictional characters in my head, but they’ve never really turned into fictional beings. My daughter had a few when she was younger, so I experienced it from a parenting perspective.
Imaginary friends play all kinds of roles for children as they grow, but I think the clear purpose is to provide comfort and company. It doesn’t have to come from a negative place, and most of the time, it’s probably nothing to worry about. This is often just part of the pretend play stages that many children go through. Of course, some hang around a little longer than others.
HRA: Leo struggles to make friends with his peers and prefers spending time with Ralph. How do you think children can benefit from imaginary friendships? What skills can they develop that they can transfer to the real world?
Computer: By spending time with an imaginary friend, children can model the kinds of friendships and behaviors they want to experience. This may be a form of practice or a reflection of an experience they have had. In this sense, imaginary friendships can serve as a role play in preparation for real-life relationships.
HRA: When it’s time to let Ralph go, Leo finds it hard to get past his imaginary friend. Can imaginary friends harm the development of some children? When is it time for parents to encourage their children to let go of imaginary friends, and how do you think they can help the process without causing harm?
Computer: These are great questions that vary with each child. I’d like to think that imaginary friends are unlikely to cause harm, but can simply delay a child’s development in some way, especially around social. I believe every child and situation is different, but the most important thing to do is to support the child, make sure they know you are there for them as a parent. This is what I tried to convey with Leo’s parents and teachers in the story.
HRA: What do you hope readers get out of spending time with Leo and Ralph?
Computer: I just hope readers enjoy the story. It has funny moments, tender moments and great emotions. Most of all, I hope readers fall in love with Ralph, the little furry friend at the center of the story.
