Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

What type of play is typical for older toddlers in a playroom setting?

1. Solitary

2. Parallel

3. Team

4. Mutual

The correct answer is: Parallel

Older toddlers typically engage in parallel play, which is characterized by children playing alongside each other but not directly interacting or collaborating on activities. This form of play is common in this developmental stage as children start to develop their social skills but are still quite focused on their individual activities. In a playroom setting, toddlers may be engaged in similar activities or using similar toys, such as blocks or coloring, but they do not necessarily share or work together in a coordinated manner. This type of play is crucial for their development, as it allows them to observe peers, learn social norms, and gradually build towards more interactive forms of play like cooperative play, which typically emerges later as children grow older and become more comfortable socializing with peers. Understanding parallel play highlights the importance of providing an environment that encourages children to explore their interests while also being aware of their peers' presence, as this lays the groundwork for future social interactions.