What type of play are toddlers exhibiting when they play near each other but not directly together?

Toddlers engaging in play near one another without directly interacting are exhibiting parallel play. This type of play is characterized by children playing alongside each other, often using similar materials or toys, but not necessarily collaborating or interacting with one another. In parallel play, children may observe each other and sometimes mimic actions, but they are primarily focused on their own individual play activities.

This is a normal stage of social development for toddlers, as they learn about their environment and gradually become more aware of other children. Parallel play helps them develop important social skills and can be seen as a precursor to more interactive forms of play, such as associative or cooperative play, where children start to engage with one another and participate in shared activities.