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Development Topics
What to Expect from Your Child
Expectations for Playtime
Have you ever tried to schedule a play date for a 1-year-old only to end up watching her play alone? A play date doesn’t live up to its name until children reach 2 years old. Let your child’s age be your guide as to the type of play to expect.
Parallel play. Even when other children are present, the typical 1-year-old will play alone. She won’t interact with other children but will show an interest in what they are doing and may mimic what she sees.
Simple social play. Between 15 and 18 months of age, your child will start to interact with other children while playing. She will talk to her playmate, and they may exchange toys.
Cooperative play. Around 24 months of age, children begin to truly play together. As they get older, they will play make-believe or turn-taking games like hide-and-seek. Begin to teach about sharing during this time. Toys that are designed for use by more than one child are more likely to be shared –– dollhouses, climbing toys, dress-up toys, cooking toys.
Do you have thoughts, questions, advice on this topic? Post your stories and comments in the forum for other parents to respond to. Enter the forum now.
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