Q: My 3 years and 3 months old daughter is an active child but plays with her imaginary friends. These friends are either cartoon characters seen on TV or names of children’s character in the movies. She is our only child. Why does she play with imaginary friends?

A:It is perfectly normal for a child to have imaginary friends. It is evidence that the child has a lively imagination. Let her continue with her playmates. As she grows up and finds other children to play with, she will drop the cartoon friends! Please do not discourage her from her chosen activities. She may of course be happy to have someone close to her age to play with. You could find out whether families in your area have young children and organise an afternoon when they can meet.