Imaginary Friends, Revealed
Written By Rachel Simpson
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Myth: When it comes to imaginary friends, kids confuse fantasy and reality.
Reality: Most kids know their friends are not, in fact, real.
Often, when Taylor's researchers are chatting with children about their imaginary companions, the kids stop in midstream to check and make sure the scientists know that the friends are pure make-believe.
Myth: Big kids don't have imaginary companions. It's a little-kid thing.
Reality: Children can hang on to them long past preschool.
The assumption was that imaginary friends scram by the time their conjurers turn 4. Wrong again. Taylor says one of the more startling things to come out of her study is the stats on longevity. Older kids (post-preschool, that is) continue to consort with imaginary friends as they age. It's possible for made-up friends to stay a long time — years, even. In fact, Taylor cites several famous adults who openly admitted still having imaginary friends. Paul Taylor, a cultural icon in the world of dance, attributed some of his work to his imaginary friend, who he said was named George H. Tacet, Ph.D. (we're not kidding). Call him the ultimate guest artist.
Rachel Simpson's daughter, Michaela, has four imaginary friends. Michaela writes to them asking for coins. They write back, and they're very generous.
