What type of play is typically observed in two-year-olds?

At the age of two, children commonly engage in parallel play. This form of play is characterized by children playing alongside each other but not directly interacting or coordinating their activities. During parallel play, toddlers may be involved in similar activities, such as building with blocks or playing with toys, but they do so independently rather than collaboratively. This stage is crucial for social development, as it represents a step towards more interactive forms of play, which children typically engage in as they grow older.

Parallel play allows children to observe and mimic each other’s actions, contributing to their learning about social norms and behaviors. While they may not be fully participating in cooperative play, which involves shared goals and teamwork, children at this age are beginning to develop the foundations for social interaction. This makes it a significant milestone in their social development.