Understanding Parallel Play

Play is an important part of your child’s healthy development, and one of the chief ways your little one learns. When your toddler has a playdate or encounters other kids at the playground, you might notice that toddlers interact a little differently than older children. What toddlers tend to do is play in parallel—not directly with each other. Learn more about what parallel play is and what makes parallel play unique.

What Is Parallel Play?

The definition of parallel play is when two or more toddlers play near one another or next to one another, but without interacting directly. They will sometimes be observing and even mimicking the other child. 

How Does Parallel Play Differ from Other Forms of Playing?

Parallel play is a unique developmental stage where children play alongside each other without directly interacting. Unlike cooperative play, where children engage with one another to achieve shared goals, or associative play, which involves minimal interaction such as sharing toys or commenting on each other's actions, parallel play focuses on individual activity within a shared space.

Parallel play serves as a bridge between solitary play and more interactive forms of social play, helping children develop critical skills like observation, imitation, and self-regulation.

Parallel play differs from other play forms by prioritizing individual exploration in a group setting, making it a vital step in a child's social development journey.

What Is an Example of Parallel Play?

During toddlerhood, imitation and pretend games are common. An example of parallel play might be your child imitating what a playmate is doing while not seeming to interact with them directly. If the playmate is playing with blocks, your toddler may decide to play with blocks, too. 

Keep in mind that sharing isn’t a concept that’s understood yet. For example, if there is only one truck and your toddler sees their playmate playing with it, they may decide to try to take it for themselves. This could lead to conflict, which you’ll need to help resolve, perhaps by offering your child another toy to play with instead.

When Does Parallel Play Start and End?

The age for parallel play is generally around 18 months or 2 years of age and it continues for another year or two. Each child is unique, however, and your little one may engage in this type of play for a slightly longer or shorter period. 

Around the time your child is ready for preschool, you’ll notice them interacting more with other children.

Benefits of Parallel Play

Even though it may seem odd to see your child playing independently next to a child instead of together with that child, it doesn’t mean that something is wrong. Parallel play is an important part of your child’s development because it helps them learn about relationships and how to behave around others. 

Parallel play encourages social awareness and offers opportunities for children to learn by watching their peers. For example, a child building with blocks may notice another using the same blocks to construct a tower, sparking new ideas without direct interaction. This type of play supports early social and cognitive development, setting the foundation for more advanced social skills later in life.

As your child matures, you’ll see them playing more collaboratively, as well as using their imagination in more active ways. All of these types of play are important for their development.

How to Encourage Parallel Play?

Here’s how you can help your toddler with parallel play:

• Give your child opportunities to play with other children by organizing playdates, taking them to the playground, or enrolling them in fun activities with other children

• In the beginning, you could limit these playmates to two or three children at a time

• Ensure the play area is safe

• Never leave the children unattended

• Be sure to monitor the activities so fights don’t break out over toys

• Model good behavior when you interact with your child, such as using good words and listening during conflicts

• Play with your child and practice taking turns during an activity so they experience working as a team.

In time, parallel play will boost their social skills and lead to your child interacting more directly with other children. Parallel playmates are your child's first friends. 

The Bottom Line

Parallel play is a normal part of your child’s development. While it may seem odd that your toddler isn’t interacting with peers, playing alongside them helps in learning social skills. 

Organizing playdates with similarly aged children can support your toddler's social and emotional growth, even if they don’t play directly together. In time, you'll see them engaging more with others, whether at playdates, preschool, or the playground, as they begin to form new friendships.

If you’re looking for some fun activities for your toddler, check out our dedicated articles with plenty of inspiring ideas, including arts and crafts for toddlers, physical activities, and activities you can do at home.

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_{How We Wrote This Article The information in this article is based on the expert advice found in trusted medical and government sources, such as the American Academy of Pediatrics and the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists. You can find a full list of sources used for this article below. The content on this page should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult medical professionals for full diagnosis and treatment.}