parallel play

English

The two girls painting show parallel play because although they are engaging in the same activity they are not paying attention to each other.

Noun

parallel play (uncountable)

1. A form of play involving two or more people doing the same play activity in the same location but without paying attention to one another.

Verb

parallel play (third-person singular simple present parallel plays, present participle parallel playing, simple past and past participle parallel played)

1. To engage in this form of play.
   • 1999, Deborah Abelman, Peer-mediated Intervention Strategies for Social Competency Skills of Preschoolers with Autism in Integrated Settings, page 68:

     I got some legos and parallel played, imitating her actions. Upon my entering her play she tried to engage me in the chase game again.

See also

• coworking