This is a period of considerable social and emotional change.

Your child becomes more emotionally self-sufficient and begins to enjoy her own company. She starts to play cooperatively with other children.

Fantasy life
Around 4 years, your child may blur fantasy and reality. She may make up stories about things that she claims have happened.

Her imagination can lead to a period of fearfulness, as she becomes afraid of monsters in the dark and other fantasy perils. This generally eases as children approach 5.

Friendships
As she becomes more confident away from you, she also starts to enjoy the company of children her own age. She plays well with a group and is generous with her toys, happy to share them in games.

Some children develop an intense friendship with one 'best friend' and will play together for hours, whispering and giggling together. Some 4 or 5 yr-olds use their vivid imagination to create imaginary friends.

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