What Is Parallel Play? Why It Matters for Childcare Providers
In early childhood, every stage of play has a purpose. One that often raises questions is parallel play when children play next to, but not with each other. At first, it may seem like they’re ignoring one another, but something important is happening. Whether you're a parent or childcare provider, understanding parallel play and parallel play age range can help you better support children's development.
Posted on:
October 7, 2025
Parallel play is a stage in early childhood development, typically seen in children 2-3 years of age but sometime can start as early as 18 months.
During this phase, children will:
• Play side by side with other kids
• Use similar toys or materials
• Show little to no direct interaction or sharing
• Occasionally glance at or observe each other
Examples of parallel play include toddlers playing with blocks next to each other or drawing side by side without exchanging materials or directly interacting. It may seem like they’re in their own worlds, but children in this stage are learning by watching, mimicking, and coexisting. It's a normal and essential part of growing up.
Benefits of parallel play include much more than just playing near someone; it’s the foundation for future social skills.
• Social awareness - understanding others are nearby
• Independence - playing without relying on others
• Emotional regulation - staying calm around peers
• Future social skills - preparing for shared play, cooperation, and communication
So even if they aren’t "playing together", toddlers are actively learning and developing essential social cues.
It's Normal (and Healthy)
Parents sometimes worry that their child isn’t social enough if they aren't sharing or talking while playing. But between ages 2–3 and as early as 18 months, parallel play is completely appropriate and not a sign of a problem.
It Leads to Growth
Children gradually move from parallel play to more interactive stages. Understanding parallel play vs cooperative play helps caregivers set realistic expectations. As they grow more confident and develop language skills, they naturally begin to engage more with peers.
How to Encourage Parallel Play
Childcare providers and parents can encourage healthy development during this stage by:
• Offering duplicate toys to reduce competition
• Setting up side-by-side play spaces
• Modeling social behavior like turn taking or greetings
• Allowing plenty of time for free, unstructured play
When to Monitor Progress
While parallel play is normal for toddlers, it may be a concern if:
• A child is 4 years or older and still only plays in parallel
• They actively avoid interaction with peers
• There’s little to no eye contact or shared attention
• There are language delays or lack of pretend play
In such cases, it may be worth speaking with a paediatrician or conducting a developmental screening.
How 1Core Solution Supports Early Childhood Development
Final Thoughts
Parallel play is not a problem it’s progress.
For parents, it’s a sign your child is learning to coexist with others. For providers, it’s an opportunity to guide children toward confident, healthy social interaction.
Understanding and supporting this stage of play builds trust, encourages communication and strengthens the connection between parents and early educators. And at 1Core Solution, we’re proud to help make that partnership stronger every day.
Interested in how 1Core can support your center’s child developmental & parent communication?
Book free demo by clicking this link: Schedule a Demo
1Core Solution is a comprehensive childcare management platform built to support the daily needs of childcare centers and early education providers. With tools for online billing, parent engagement, admissions, attendance, lesson planning, and staff management, 1Core brings your center’s operations into one centralized, easy-to-use system. Designed with both educators and administrators in mind, 1Core helps reduce manual tasks, improve communication, and enhance the experience for families and staff alike. Backed by dependable support and strong data security, 1Core gives you the freedom to focus less on paperwork and more on creating meaningful moments with the children in your care.
Muhila S
Digital Marketer | 1Core Solution
Building bridges between products and audiences through clever, data-powered campaigns. A trend-chaser with a creative heart and a results first mindset.
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