Why kids talk to toys and imaginary friends: When parents should worry

Quick answer: Talking to stuffed animals, toys or imaginary friends is usually a normal part of childhood pretend play. It can help children practise communication, storytelling, emotions and social situations. Parents should pay closer attention if the child seems frightened by the imaginary friend, says it tells them to hurt themselves or others, cannot distinguish pretend play from reality, or develops sudden changes in sleep, eating, behaviour or social interaction.A child may set an extra plate at the dinner table, buckle a stuffed bear into the car seat or suddenly stop in the middle of a conversation to answer someone only they can see.For parents, the scene can be adorable one day and unsettling the next. Is the child simply pretending? Is the stuffed animal becoming a “real” friend in their mind?