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Side-by-Side in the Sandbox
The Importance of Parallel Play in Toddlers
By Renee Roberson
- Remember that play should be spontaneous; parents and caregivers don't always have to create it or force play among other children nearby.
- Create positive environments and take into consideration sensory aspects, as some children are more sensitive to sensory stimuli than others.
"The important thing to remember about play is that it's how babies and toddlers learn about the world," Lara says. "It's an opportunity in which they are learning about social skills and developing relationships. I think children often go back and forth between solitary play and parallel play."
As for sharing, don't expect to see too much of it until your child has transitioned out of toddlerhood. "Sharing is a gradual process; it takes time," Honig says. "If you share your attention with your children, they will learn to share with others easier."
So if you were on the fence about joining that playgroup or activity class, go ahead and take the plunge. There's no need to worry if your child isn't interested yet in playing or sharing with the other children – that's normal behavior at this stage.
Just being part of a group will give your child a sense of security and the chance to observe how other children play with objects. And if your child already has an older sibling, encourage more side-by-side play. Children learn a lot from new experiences and people; in fact, their social development depends on it.