At what age do children commonly develop imaginary friends?

Children commonly develop imaginary friends between the ages of 2 to 6 years. This developmental stage is characterized by increased imaginative play, where children engage in creative thinking and storytelling. During these years, children are learning to navigate social interactions, express their thoughts and emotions, and explore their sense of reality versus fantasy.

Imaginary friends can serve several purposes; they often help children practice social skills and understand different perspectives. The presence of an imaginary friend can also provide comfort and companionship as children cope with new experiences or transitions. This behavior is considered a normal part of child development, contributing to cognitive and emotional growth.

In contrast, the other age ranges do not typically correlate with the development of imaginary friends. In the earlier years, 1 to 2 years, children are primarily involved in parallel play and are just beginning to develop more complex forms of imaginative play. As children enter the later ages of 6 to 10 years and especially during adolescence (11 to 14 years), their social structures and play behaviors shift away from the creation of imaginary companions, transitioning instead to more realistic relationships with peers.