700 Children's® – A Blog by Pediatric Experts

Posted by: Laura Cook, PhD , Jenny Phan, PhD on Jun 04, 2025

The good news is that having an imaginary friend is usually a normal and healthy party of child development. Research shows that imaginary friends can be a sign of creativity, emotional growth, and strong problem-solving skills.

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Black and white photo of a happy family swimming in a pool. A mother and young child smile at each other in the foreground while a father holds another child in the background.
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5 Tips for Swimming Pool Safety

Planning a pool day with the kids? Before you dive in, brush up on these 5 essential tips to help prevent drowning and keep your little ones safe while they splash and play.

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Toxic Stress: How the Body's Response Can Harm a Child's Development

Toxic stress that children suffer not only shapes their emotional lives as adults but also affects their physical health and life expectancy.

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About this Blog

Pediatric News You Can Use From America’s Largest Pediatric Hospital and Research Center

700 Children’s® features the most current pediatric health care information and research from our pediatric experts – physicians and specialists who have seen it all. Many of them are parents and bring a special understanding to what our patients and families experience. If you have a child – or care for a child – 700 Children’s was created especially for you.

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Latest Posts

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Navigating the Dating Scene: A Guide for Parents of Children With Developmental Disabilities

Mar 06, 2024

By fostering open communication, providing education, and advocating for them, you are empowering your child to navigate the complexities of dating with confidence and resilience. Read More

Teenager girl looking in the mirror touching her face

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: What Is It?

Mar 06, 2024

Polycystic ovarian syndrome – or “PCOS” – is a hormonal imbalance that happens in some girls and women. In PCOS, testosterone, a type of hormone, is higher than normal. Read More

child laying in bed looking exhausted

Understanding Sleep and Sleep Disorders

Mar 04, 2024

Sleep disorders are relatively common; it is estimated that approximately 25 to 50% of children experience some form of sleep problem during their childhood or adolescence. Read More

Teenage girl laying in bed with stomach cramps.

Endometriosis in Teens and Adolescents: More Than Just Cramps

Mar 01, 2024

Endometriosis is a condition in which the menstrual tissue is found outside the uterus, within the pelvis. Girls who have a mother, sister or aunt with endometriosis have an almost 10 times increased chance of developing it. Read More

Suicide Protocols

Warning Signs of Suicide on Social Media: What You Can Do When It’s Someone You Know

Feb 29, 2024

People are spending more time on social media than ever. Most posts are harmless depictions of life in general; status updates, pictures of friends or food, or even a joke. However, sometimes people discuss personal topics and show signs that things are not going well. Read More

How to Be a Mental Health Advocate

How to Be a Mental Health Advocate

Feb 29, 2024

Over the past couple of years, mental health has become a more open discussion. As a result, we have finally seen a break in the silence surrounding the topic and shame is much less a part of the equation than it ever was. Read More

father talking to his child on the couch

Practicing Positive Discipline

Feb 28, 2024

It is important to fully understand the risks of hitting as a form of discipline as well as the lack of efficacy when compared to other strategies. We encourage parents to seek out positive forms of discipline whenever possible. Read More

teen girl smiling

Tooth Whitening for Teens: How and When to Do It Safely

Feb 28, 2024

Tooth whitening can improve how a smile looks and feels. Here are some things parents need to know if their teen asks to get their teeth whitened. Read More