Parallel Play in Child Development: Examples and Best Practices

Parallel play in child development is a critical stage that often goes unnoticed but plays a significant role in a child’s social development and emotional growth. This article delves into the nuances of parallel play, underscoring its importance and providing practical advice for parents and teachers to foster this stage of development effectively.

Table Of Contents

What is Parallel Play in Child Development?
The Importance of Parallel Play in Child Development
Examples of Parallel Play in Child Development
How to Help Children with Parallel Play
FAQs about Parallel Play in Child Development
Nurture Your Child with UNIS Hanoi

What is Parallel Play in Child Development?

Parallel play, a term first coined by Mildred Parten in the 1930s, refers to the developmental stage where children play adjacent to each other but do not directly interact. It typically occurs in toddlers aged 2-3 years and is a natural part of the socialization process, serving as a bridge to more interactive forms of play.

The Importance of Parallel Play in Child Development

Parallel play, an integral part of early childhood development, serves as a foundation for various developmental milestones. Here, we delve deeper into its benefits and provide practical examples for a clearer understanding.

Facilitates Independent Play: Parallel play fosters an environment where children can engage in activities independently, a crucial step towards developing self-reliance. For instance, a child playing with building blocks on their own, while another child plays nearby with a different set, demonstrates this independent yet coexisting play style. This setup encourages the child to make decisions independently, enhancing their ability to play and think without constant guidance.
Promotes Social Skills: This stage of play, although not directly interactive, introduces children to the fundamental concept of sharing a play space with others. For example, two children may be drawing separately at the same table, occasionally looking at each other’s work. This scenario subtly teaches them to coexist peacefully with peers, laying the groundwork for more complex social interactions in the future.
Enhances Cognitive Development: Parallel play is an excellent opportunity for children to learn by observing their peers. For instance, a child might watch how another child solves a puzzle and then apply similar techniques to their puzzle-solving. This observational learning not only boosts problem-solving skills but also sparks imagination, as children are often inspired by their peers’ actions and ideas.
Emotional Growth: Engaging in parallel play helps children understand and respect personal and others’ boundaries. A practical example is when children play in the same sandbox but with their toys, understanding implicitly that they should not disturb the other’s play area. This experience teaches them about personal space and respecting others, essential elements for emotional maturity and future social interactions.

Examples of Parallel Play in Child Development

5 examples of key behaviors, benefits, and insights from child development research related to parallel play include:

Two Children Building Separate Towers with Blocks: This classic example of parallel play demonstrates how children can be engaged in similar activities without direct interaction. They may occasionally glance at each other’s towers, subtly learning from each other’s techniques. This activity fosters creativity and develops fine motor skills. A study by Bergen, D. & Mauer, D. (2000) in the “Early Childhood Research & Practice” journal highlights how such activities enhance spatial awareness and problem-solving skills.
Toddlers Drawing Individually on Their Sheets of Paper: In this scenario, children express their creativity independently while sitting together. This parallel activity fosters a sense of individuality and artistic expression. According to a report by the National Association for the Education of Young Children, such activities encourage self-expression and can enhance emotional regulation in children.
Playing in the Sandbox Separately: Children playing in the same sandbox with different toys or goals exemplify parallel play. They may observe each other’s methods of building or digging, indirectly learning new ways of engaging with the sand. The Journal of Play Therapy (2015) suggests that such play scenarios promote sensory development and environmental awareness.
Riding Tricycles on the Same Path: Children riding their bikes or tricycles near each other, each engrossed in their journey, is another example. They are aware of each other’s presence and may occasionally mimic each other’s actions. This type of parallel play is beneficial for physical development and coordination, as noted in a study by the American Academy of Pediatrics.
Playing with Dolls or Action Figures Side by Side: Children engaging in imaginative play with dolls or action figures, each creating their narratives, demonstrate parallel play. This encourages creative storytelling and emotional exploration, as discussed in the “Journal of Child Development” (2018).

How to Help Children with Parallel Play

Establishing a supportive atmosphere is fundamental to cultivating parallel play, be it within a home or school context.

How Parents Help Their Child in Parallel Play at Home

Parallel play represents an integral aspect of child development, characterized by independent play occurring simultaneously with others nearby. Parents can enhance this experience by creating an appropriate environment and introducing suitable activities.

Create a Safe Play Space: Set up a designated area at home for independent yet adjacent play. This space should be hazard-free and feature elements like colourful mats to stimulate creativity and exploration. Regularly changing toys in this area keeps the environment engaging and safe.
Provide Similar Toys: Offer age-appropriate, similar toys to encourage observation and mimicry, while reducing competition. Introducing open-ended toys allows for diverse play and fosters imagination, aiding in social and cognitive development in a non-threatening setting.

How Teachers Help Children in Parallel Play at School

Parallel play significantly contributes to learning and social development within school environments. Teachers can nurture this progress by strategically arranging the learning environment and providing guidance.

Structured Playtime: Set up dedicated play stations that facilitate parallel play. These stations should be designed to naturally encourage children to engage in independent activities while in proximity to each other.
Observation and Guidance: Teachers should monitor playtime, offering subtle guidance to maintain a positive and inclusive environment. This approach helps nurture social skills and ensures a constructive play experience for all children.

FAQs about Parallel Play in Child Development

Here are some common questions about parallel play:

Which child is most likely to engage in parallel play?

Typically, toddlers between 2 and 3 years old will most likely engage in parallel play.

This developmental phase aligns with their growing sense of independence and curiosity about the world around them.

At this age, children are beginning to explore their environment more fully but are not yet fully ready for cooperative play, making parallel play a natural and comfortable choice for them.

UNIS Hanoi offers an exceptional programme for Lower Elementary children (ages 3-6), which is specifically designed to nurture these developmental stages through carefully structured activities and learning environments.

What to do if your child struggles to play with other children?

If your child struggles to play with other children, introducing parallel play can be a gentle and effective way to ease into social interactions.

This type of play allows children to become comfortable with the presence of peers without the pressure of direct interaction. Over time, parallel play can help children build confidence and social skills, gradually leading to more interactive forms of play as the child feels ready.

How does parallel play help expressive language?

Parallel play helps in the development of expressive language by providing an opportunity for children to vocalize thoughts and narrate activities, even in a non-interactive setting.

This practice helps them develop language skills in a low-pressure environment, where they can experiment with words and phrases they’ve heard. Additionally, hearing peers talk during play can introduce new vocabulary and sentence structures, further enhancing their language development.

Nurture Your Child with UNIS Hanoi

Understanding and fostering parallel play in child development is essential for nurturing a child’s social, emotional, and cognitive growth.

By creating supportive environments at home and school, we can guide children through this developmental stage effectively. For more insights and resources on child development, visit UNIS Hanoi and learn how our International Elementary School programme (ages 3-11) can give your child a great start.