Parallel play teaches the child how to play and behave appropriately when playing alongside, or in close physical proximity to, a peer. Parallel play does not require the child to directly interact with the peer; rather, it can be considered a sort of “middle step” between independent play and interactive play.
Parallel play helps the child begin to tolerate the presence of a peer in his/her play area, as well as skills associated with more than one child playing in the same area: examples include asking for a turn, sharing when requested to do so, visually observing peer’s actions, cleaning up toys when finished.
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