This 7-year-old’s drawing of her ‘best friend’ stunned her brother—what parents should know about imaginary friends

When 20-year-old Amaad sat down with his 7-year-old sister to admire her latest artwork, he expected the usual flowers and stick-figure family portraits. Instead, she proudly introduced him to “Steve”—an elaborate, slightly spooky-looking figure she calls her best friend. Amaad’s stunned reaction (“Okay, I’m leaving the house”) has now been watched nearly 19.2 million times on TikTok, sparking thousands of comments from adults who were equal parts amused and unsettled.

@amzzzzz9v2 Oh no😭😭😭😭😭😭 #fypシ゚ #amzzzzz9v2 #viral #amz #funny ♬ Ready (Vocals only) – Halal Beats

Imaginary friends: A normal part of childhood

As unnerving as Steve may look on paper, experts say imaginary friends are nothing to fear. 

A study published in Raising Children says that it’s developmentally common for kids between ages 3 and 8 to invent companions. These “friends” help children practice empathy, explore emotions, and rehearse social skills in a safe way.

In other words, whether your child’s invisible companion is a playful bunny or something more unusual, it’s typically a sign of a healthy imagination—not a cause for alarm. Rather than shutting down the idea, parents can gently join the conversation, asking questions about the imaginary friend to better understand what their child might be processing.

Related: Motherhood is: Trying to figure out how to deal with an imaginary friend

When siblings are the first safe audience

Amaad’s good-natured reaction, paired with his sister’s delight at sharing her creation, also highlights something important: children often reveal their wildest ideas to siblings first. The fact that she was so proud to show Steve (and that Amaad played along, even if nervously) reflects the safety of that bond.

Developmental psychologists observe that children often use imaginary friends and games as part of their social play, particularly with siblings and peers. Research published in Psychology Today indicates that children with imaginary companions tend to be more creative, have richer vocabularies, and are better able to entertain themselves. This type of pretend play provides a context for children to express their creativity and develop social and emotional skills. Engaging in such imaginative play can offer children a safe way to test ideas before sharing them with adults.

What people are saying

TikTok commenters had plenty of fun with Steve:

• “All our friends when we saw Steve.” @dee.ysff
• “Steeve looks friendly wdym” @isnoggedjeff
• “The fact that Steve’s there and you’re not.” @visixnary
• “To be fair, she does have him on a leash.” @mariaviaana
• “That’s a horror movie plot, good luck.” @hijabi0x

But many were quick to reassure Amaad too, pointing out how common imaginary friends can be—whether they look like fluffy unicorns or shadowy monsters.

Related: Caitlin Murray explains why she’s never engaged in ‘imaginary play’ with her three kids, sparking debate

How parents can respond to an imaginary friend

For most kids, pretend companions are a healthy way to work through feelings and practice social skills. Here are a few gentle ways to respond when your child introduces you to an invisible friend:

• Stay curious, not dismissive. Ask open-ended questions like “What’s their favorite game?” or “How did you meet them?” to learn what your child is exploring.
• Join the play lightly. You don’t have to act out a whole storyline—just acknowledging the friend (“Hi Steve!”) validates your child’s imagination.
• Look for themes, not warnings. Pay attention to recurring emotions or scenarios; they can give clues about what your child is processing.
• Offer gentle boundaries. If the imaginary friend starts “breaking rules,” calmly set limits (“Steve has to clean up, too”) so pretend play stays constructive.
• Share observations with caregivers. Let teachers or co-parents know about the friend to create consistent responses and deeper understanding.

The takeaway for parents

If your child suddenly introduces you to an unseen companion—no matter how unusual—remember that it’s typically a healthy stage of development. Instead of panicking, lean in with curiosity. Ask your child what their friend likes, or how they play together. You may be surprised at the window it opens into their inner world.

And if your child ever sketches their “Steve”? Take a breath, laugh if you can, and remember: imagination is one of the best signs of a growing mind.

Your turn: Did your child ever have an imaginary friend? How did you handle it?

Source:

1. Raising Children. 2024. “Imaginary Friends.”
2. Psychology Today. 2020. “Imaginary Friends: Harmful or Beneficial?”