If you’re wondering whether your toddler is doing parallel play or solitary play, this page can help you tell the difference, understand what’s typical by age, and know how to support social development without pressure.
Answer a few questions about how your child plays around others to better understand whether you’re seeing parallel play, solitary play, or a typical mix of both at this stage.
The difference between parallel play and solitary play usually comes down to what your child is doing in relation to other children. In solitary play, a child plays alone and is mainly focused on their own activity, even if other children are nearby. In parallel play, a child still plays independently, but they are aware of and interested in the other children around them, often playing beside them with similar toys or actions. For toddlers, both can be normal. A child may move between solitary play vs parallel play depending on age, temperament, setting, and how comfortable they feel.
Your toddler sits on the floor stacking blocks alone, focused on their own tower, without watching or copying the child nearby.
Two toddlers sit side by side with toy cars. They are not directly playing together, but they notice each other, use similar toys, and may imitate each other’s actions.
A child starts by playing alone, then moves closer to another child and begins doing a similar activity nearby. This shift between solitary play and parallel play is common in toddlers.
Solitary play is very common in younger toddlers, who are still building attention, language, and comfort around peers.
Parallel play often becomes more noticeable in toddlerhood as children begin watching others, copying actions, and choosing to play near peers without fully interacting.
A child may prefer solitary play in new, busy, or overwhelming settings and show more parallel play when they feel rested, regulated, and familiar with the environment.
For many toddlers, solitary play and parallel play are both part of healthy development. Solitary play helps with focus, creativity, and independent problem-solving. Parallel play helps children get used to being around peers, observe social behavior, and practice early social skills without the demands of full interaction. If your child plays near others but not with them, that does not automatically mean something is wrong. The key is to look at the full picture: age, personality, communication style, comfort in groups, and whether your child is gradually showing interest in others over time.
Offer chances to play near one other child with similar toys or materials. Side-by-side play is often easier than expecting sharing or turn-taking right away.
Use simple language like, "You’re building next to him," or, "You noticed her drawing." This helps your child connect their experience to social awareness.
Some children warm up slowly. Support interest in others without forcing interaction, especially if your child tends to observe first or needs time to feel secure.
Solitary play means a child is playing alone and focused on their own activity. Parallel play means a child is playing independently but alongside other children, often noticing, watching, or copying them without directly playing together.
Yes. Solitary play is common in younger children, and parallel play often becomes more visible during toddlerhood. Still, children may show both stages depending on the setting, their temperament, and how comfortable they feel.
Toddlers often do both. They may choose solitary play when they are tired, overwhelmed, or deeply focused, and show parallel play when they are curious about peers and ready to engage from a comfortable distance.
Look for signs of awareness and connection. In parallel play, your child may glance at other children, imitate actions, choose similar toys, or stay close on purpose. In solitary play, they are more absorbed in their own activity with little interest in what others are doing.
Not necessarily. Many toddlers naturally prefer solitary play at times. What matters most is the overall pattern over time, including whether your child shows some interest in others, can be comfortable around peers, and is developing in other areas as expected.
Answer a few questions to get a clearer read on your child’s current play stage and personalized guidance on what may help next.
Answer a Few QuestionsExplore more assessments in this topic group.
See related assessments across this category.
Find more parenting assessments by category and topic.
Parallel Play
Parallel Play
Parallel Play
Parallel Play