Understanding parallel play

Health & Wellbeing
Teaching our kids to be more eco friendly
Raising children is a non-stop teaching process. From table manners to how to be environmentally conscious, your little one is constantly learning from you. Whether you’re a dedicated gardener or just starting...
read more
Learning Ideas
Activities to enhance your toddler’s social skills
Socialising can be tough, especially for kids as they are growing up - it’s not something that always comes naturally and some will struggle more than others. Understanding boundaries, how to react to emotions...
read more
Play is a fundamental way children start to learn about the world around them and other social interactions. Through toys, books, arts and crafts, and more they are able to refine motor skills as well as their imaginations. By the age of two, many children become curious beyond belief. From grabbing anything they can in their tiny fists to pointing at every object imaginable, they just want to play!
You might be wondering when they will start interacting and playing with other children their age.
What is parallel play?
To put it simply, this is when your child will do their normal activities but alongside another toddler. However, they won’t play together as such. This will look like your child is playing physically close to another child but not the same games. They are focused on their own tiny curiosities. You might call them their own personal ‘zones’.
Why does it happen?
As they are learning about the world around them and finally becoming aware of other children, they are navigating this new territory. Socialising is a big step! Figuring out how to share and play with another person is not part of their skillset just set. They’re still focused on picking up things properly and creating their own games. As with any skill, this will come with time and exposure. Ultimately, this is a crucial step because it is setting them up to begin making their own friends.
How to encourage parallel play?
Don’t overcomplicate it! Set up little zones for them to pick up their toys and figure out their space. From there, introduce your friend’s kids and let them loose. It’s important you get involved in this stage to help along the progress, so be present. Simply invite 1 – 2 toddlers over and give them toys that will be good for sharing, like shape sorters. Keep an eye on them but don’t analyse every movement, they will find their way around each other.
Moving on to associative play
Typically, most children remain in the parallel play stage until around three years old. From there, they should slowly begin interacting with others and slightly sharing their toys. This might look like passing balls or blocks back and forth. There is very little direction or strong communication still, but small signs of awareness. To help them move along to this phase, introduce more sharing techniques and set a good example for them.
Witnessing your little one starting to play with others is a very exciting time. They might be starting to make their first friends! While this is a fun milestone, make sure to not force them to play with others. This won’t breed success for either of you. Instead, encourage and allow them to find their way with some comfortable zones and toys. Happy playing!
Other Articles

At-home Activities
Homemade floam
Floam is a super fun material that can be moulded and shaped like play dough, but is also squishy and gooey like slime. Irresistible to touch...
read more
Toddler Behaviour
Refusing to leave the playground
We've all been there. Your little one is having an incredibly fun time in the playground but then nap time creeps up and it's time to leave - but they don't want to hear of it! Leaving the play area will always...
read more
Signs & Symptoms
Tooth decay in toddlers
Tooth decay is the most common chronic disease in childhood and is most often preventable. If your child’s teeth aren’t cleaned well regularly, tooth decay can develop and can do so very rapidly...
read more Sign up
Don't miss a thing!
Stay in the loop on all things parenthood as we share tips, hacks, products, inspo & everything in between. We promise not to clutter your inbox.