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Make-Believe Play and Imaginary Friends are Healthy and Comforting

Last Updated: September 14, 2009

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Parenting Tips for Your 27-28 Month Old Toddler

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Imagination is a wonderful thing, and we can help our children develop it. Children love to pretend they are someone who is important and powerful, like Superman, a doctor, a teacher, or a parent. This is a good, healthy part of growing up. It helps children practice for the future. It gives them pleasure and comfort. Imaginary friends can be very special.

Studies show that well-developed young children often pretend they are someone else, usually an adult. Most of these children received a good deal of encouragement from their parents to engage in fantasy play.

Join your child in fantasy play. You will make this important play even more special for your toddler and will be encouraging her creativity.


Learn more about Your Toddler: 27-28 Months from Just In Time Parenting. You can also go to our Resource Links for additional information on child care and development.


Note to Parents: When reading this newsletter, remember: Every baby is different. Children may do things earlier or later than described here. This newsletter gives equal space and time to both sexes. If he or she is used, we are talking about all babies.
References: These materials were adapted by authors from Extension Just in Time Parenting Newsletters in California, Delaware, Georgia, Iowa, Kentucky, Maine, Tennessee, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, and Wisconsin.

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