At what age do children typically start engaging in cooperative play?

Children typically begin to engage in cooperative play around the ages of 3 to 4 years. During this developmental stage, they start to move beyond parallel play, which is when they play alongside but not with other children. Instead, they begin to share toys, take turns, and work together toward a common goal in play activities. This indicates a significant developmental milestone where social skills, communication, and the capacity for empathy start to develop more fully.

In cooperative play, children engage in activities that require them to collaborate, negotiate, and interact with one another, thus enhancing their social and cognitive skills. This period is crucial for building friendships and learning to understand the perspectives and emotions of peers. As children grow into the later preschool years, around 4 to 5 years, their capacity for cooperative play continues to mature, but it is during the earlier part of this range that the foundation for these skills is established.