What type of play involves children playing alongside each other without interaction?

Parallel play is a type of play where children play next to each other but do not directly interact or collaborate during the activity. This type of play typically occurs in early childhood development, often around the ages of 2 to 3 years. During parallel play, children may be using similar materials or engaging in similar activities but they are focused on their own individual play experiences.

This form of play helps children develop their own skills and fosters a sense of independence while still being in a social environment. It sets the groundwork for more complex forms of interaction later on in development, such as associative and cooperative play, where children begin to interact and collaborate with one another. Understanding parallel play is important for recognizing typical behavior in young children and supporting their social development appropriately.