Stage 4: Parallel Play

Parallel play is very important for the 2½- 3 year old age range as it helps children to learn peer regulation, observation skills, working with and getting along with others as well as working independently.

Parallel play is not only normal, it’s an important first step in learning how to interact with others. Parallel play is a play stage that they will go through where children are near each other but not playing with each other. This play stage is generally from 2-3 years of age.

For example, if there were two 18month olds with similar toys near each other in the same room, you’ll see that they don’t seem to pay much attention to each other, but they have noticed each other just are not at the stage to play ‘together’.

Unlike older children, who interact and communicate directly, toddlers play alongside one another. While they may appear to be playing independently, kids this age are keeping an eye on each other. They like being part of a group, but they are still egocentric, so they don’t necessarily interact.

Parallel play is often a first step in forming strong social relationships outside of the family.  You may notice that a child may be engaged in similar activities or totally different activities to children around them but they like being around others their own age. Whilst it may appear that they don’t care about the presence of the other children their presence is key to this stage and their development. Additionally, just try separating them and you will see this contact from a far is very important to them.

The key element of parallel play is children play side-by-side, and watch and listen to each other. It is a vital part of the socialization process. At this age they are interested in the same toys and both see the toys as belonging to theme.

• They begin to use symbols in their play such as a stick becoming a sword.
• They also start to show some reasoning skills, may still learn by trial and error.
• They copy adults and other children.
• Parallel play serves as a bridge to more complex cooperative activities.

Parallel play’ (playing along side) is followed by ‘associative play’ – children are still playing independently but often do the same thing as other children – at around 3 or 4 years of age.