In which age group is parallel play most commonly observed?

Parallel play is most commonly observed in toddlers, typically around the ages of 2 to 3 years. During this stage of development, children engage in play alongside one another but do not directly interact or collaborate on activities. Instead, they may use the same toys or play in proximity to each other while focusing on their individual tasks.

This type of play is important as it allows toddlers to explore social interactions in a low-pressure environment. While they are not fully engaging in cooperative play, they are beginning to learn about social behaviors, sharing spaces, and observing others, which are critical skills for their later development. As children grow older, they transition from parallel play to more interactive forms of play, such as associative and cooperative play, which are more typical in preschoolers and older children.