At what stage do toddlers typically begin to feel content playing near others?

Toddlers typically begin to feel content playing near others during parallel play. At this stage, children are aware of others in their environment and may play alongside them without directly interacting. They might mimic each other or use similar toys, which helps them develop social skills while still maintaining some independence. This form of play reflects their growing awareness of social dynamics and their comfort in sharing space with peers, albeit without fully engaging in cooperative play.

In contrast, solitary play involves children playing alone, focusing solely on their own activity without the awareness of others nearby. Cooperative play, which develops later, involves direct interaction and collaboration between children as they work together towards a shared goal. Structured group play typically requires more adult direction and organization and is often found in settings like classrooms. Therefore, parallel play accurately represents the stage where toddlers are comfortable playing in close proximity to their peers.