Social & Emotional
Parallel Play
Typical age: 2 years
Parallel play, playing alongside other children without direct interaction, is a normal stage of social development around age 2. Toddlers are interested in peers but haven't yet developed the skills for cooperative play.
Signs to Look For
- ✓Plays near other children, doing similar activities
- ✓Watches and imitates what other children do
- ✓May offer a toy to another child briefly
- ✓Shows interest in other children but plays independently
When to Talk to Your Pediatrician
Every child develops at their own pace. However, talk to your doctor if you notice:
- •Shows no interest in other children by 24 months
- •Becomes extremely distressed around peers consistently
- •Never watches or imitates other children
Keep track of every milestone
Check them off as they happen and see what's coming next, based on the same CDC guidelines.
Open the milestone trackerBased on CDC developmental milestones. This is informational only, not medical advice. Every child develops differently. Consult your pediatrician with any concerns.