parallel play


Play which is typical of very young children, in which the child engages in independent play, without interacting with other children. The parallel play stage is normal until the child is toilet-trained, after which associative and interactive play develops

parallel play

Psychology Play typical of very young children, in which the child engages in independent play, without interacting with other children; the PP stage is normal until the child is toilet-trained, after which associative and interactive play develops

pa·ral·lel play

(par'ă-lel plā) A developmental psychology concept in which toddlers (ages 2-3 years) play alongside each other, in similar activities, without obvious communication or interaction. Children younger than that tend to play by themselves (solitary play). Older children (preschool age) interact with each other more during group play.