Julie, Frank, Unicorn or Luna — your child surprises you with an important new friend, a friend they have imagined. There are good reasons to play along. For one thing, it’s a sign of your child’s growing imagination. For another, their best new friend can give them comfort, and confidence in the world.

Imaginary friends are surprisingly common. A 2004 study suggested well over half (65%) of all children may have had one by age seven. This is quite commonly seen. Typically, imaginary friends appear in children’s lives from around age three and are usually gone by the age of 11. And there may be more than one. The study found some children have different playmates up to 13 were recorded.

The burning question for most parents is why their child has an imaginary friend. There’s no real answer, but children may make up impressive stores including the friend’s family and lifestyle — for play companionship (陪伴) on to develop ideas and stories. Boys may like superhero-style friends, while girls often act as wise advisers for their friends. Not all friends are human, and this is just another way young children show their imagination and ability to develop characters and role play. Your main worry is keeping up with the main stories and names.

So how do you manage your child’s unknown playmate? Most advice suggests you don’t ask too many questions as your child likes to be in control of their special relationship — and they may not tell you everything. They can be changeable too, changing friends at will. The only thing to watch out for is an imaginary friend who keeps causing trouble Dirty shoes can’t be blamed on (把责任推给……) Julie, Frank, Unicorn or Luna without some fair parental intervention (干预). Make it clear that while they are under your roof (屋顶) the imaginary friend has to follow your house rules.

【小题1】What does the author mention in the first paragraph?

A．The reasons why kids want to have an imaginary friend.

B．Advantages of playing along with imaginary friends.

C．Parents’ worries about imaginary friends.

D．Kids’ dependence on imaginary friends.

【小题2】What did the 2004 study find?

A．Kids usually have many imaginary friends.

B．Imaginary friends will keep kids company for life.

C．Having imaginary friends is against kids’ nature.

D．It is common for kids to have imaginary friends.

【小题3】What can we infer about imaginary friends according to paragraph 3?

A．They are inspired by heroes around kids.

B．They may show up for different reasons.

C．They are trustworthy for parents.

D．They are usually humans.

【小题4】What does the author suggest parents do?

A．Ask their kids and their imaginary friends to follow house rules.

B．Take their kids out to join in some outdoor activities.

C．Help their kids to find an imaginary friend.

D．Talk to their kids honestly and heartfully.