What Is Parallel Play?

To adults, play and learning might appear separate, but it’s the same thing to children. Play is one of your toddler's main tools for development, and parallel play shows this learning in action. What is parallel play? It’s when your toddler imitates or mimics another child playing without interacting directly. Although it might seem like a curious behaviour to you, it’s actually a very important stage of development! Learn more about what makes it unique and the benefits of parallel play.

What Is the Parallel Stage of Play?

We have the sociologist Mildred Parten Newall to thank for her classification of the official stages of play. Parallel play is the third stage of play, and when two or more toddlers play near one another or next to one another, but without interacting directly. At the beginning of this stage, they tend to observe other children before playing in parallel. After observing, they may even mimic the other child. Newall included this behaviour as its own stage before parallel play, but others lump the two together. But parallel play is just one stage of play, and they all work together to support your little one’s development. So, what are the five types of play? Below you’ll find five different stages of play, when they tend to occur, and what to look out for:

Examples 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 the other child directly. If the playmate is playing with blocks, your toddler may also decide to play with blocks. Keep in mind that sharing isn’t a concept your child can understood at this age. For example, if there is only one truck and your toddler sees another child playing with it, they may decide to try to take it for themself. This could lead to conflict, which you’ll need to help resolve, perhaps by offering your child another toy to play with instead.

The Importance and 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. As your child matures, you’ll notice them playing more collaboratively and using their imagination in more active ways. All these types of play are important for development. A child can’t reach the associate and cooperative stages of play until they move through parallel play on their own time.

How Parallel Play Relates to the Next Stages of Play

Associative play vs. parallel play, what’s the difference? Many parents ask this question, as the two seem similar. It’s best to think of parallel play, associate play, and cooperative play as stepping-stones:

1. Parallel play is just as much observation as it is playing. Toddlers watch others, learn what they’re doing, and then mimic it. They might not be ready to play together, but they’re beginning to develop those skills through these actions.

2. Associate play is like parallel play but think of it as a step closer to playing together. Kids still might not be playing interactively, but they’ll start to play with the same toys or do the same activities. A good example of this is on the playground. You might see five kids on the jungle gym all doing separate things but playing together.

3. Cooperative play is that final step when your child has developed the skills to play cooperatively while fully interacting with others.

How Can You Help Your Toddler With Parallel Play?

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

• Plan playdates or days at the park to give your child opportunities to play with other children

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

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

• Ensure the play area is safe

• Never leave the children unattended.

In time, parallel play will boost your little one’s social skills and lead them to interact more directly with other children. Parallel playmates are your child's first friends!

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At What Age Does Parallel Play Start and Stop?

Parallel play could begin at about 18 months or 2 years of age and continue for another year or two. Each child is unique, 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.

The Bottom Line

Parallel play is just another step in your child’s healthy development. Even though it may look odd to you that your child is not interacting with fellow playmates, playing alongside them is normal and a way for your toddler to learn the basics of social interaction. During this time, it’s a good idea to set up playdates for your child with children of similar age. Although they may not play together, playdates are good opportunities for social and emotional growth, as they help your toddler start to learn how to form relationships. Before you know it, you’ll notice your toddler interacting more directly with the children around them, whether it’s on a playdate, at preschool, or at the playground with the neighborhood kids. You’ll love seeing how their world expands with each new adventure and watching your little one make new friends.