What is parallel play?

Parallel play refers to a stage of social development where children play alongside each other but do not actively engage with one another in their play. They may be involved in similar activities or use similar toys, but each child is focused on their own task rather than interacting directly with their peers. This behavior often occurs in younger children, such as toddlers, as they develop their social skills and begin to understand the concept of cooperative play.

In the context provided, the correct answer highlights that, during parallel play, children are engaged in their own activities while being in close proximity to their peers. This stage is important as it lays the groundwork for future social interactions and collaborative play experiences. As children grow older, they typically start to engage more directly with one another, moving towards cooperative play where they share resources and ideas.