The nurse observes a 2 1/2-year-old toddler in the waiting room. Based on expected child development, the nurse expects to see the child engaged in which type of play?
playing alone, with no interaction with other children
playing cooperatively in a single-sex group
playing parallel to other children, but not playing together
playing and interacting cooperatively in a mixed-sex group
Number 3 is correct.
Toddlers aged 2 1/2 – 3 years old typically engage in parallel play : They will play alongside others, but not necessarily play together. Playing alone with no interaction with others is seen in children under age 2. Playing in single-sex groups is typical of children aged 4 – 6, while playing in a mixed group of boys and girls is common with children aged 3 – 4.
