Parents can struggle with how much to guide their children’s play and time at home. It comes from the desire to make the most of every moment and learning opportunity. But fixating on optimization can suck all the spontaneity and joy out of downtime. For you and little one.
Parallel activities are a way for you and your kiddo to spend quality time together while also doing your own thing. Keep reading to understand the benefits of parallel activities and how to try them at home.
What are parallel activities?
It’s common for children under the age of three to play near each other, but not together. This is called parallel play. Children engage with their own toys in the same space. There’s little active sharing or talking.
It may not look like much is happening, but parallel play is a low-pressure opportunity for passive learning. Little ones observe how their peers play and problem-solve. They overhear new words and build social awareness and an understanding of personal boundaries. All of this prepares children to eventually play with each other.
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Parallel activities are separate tasks you and your child do in the same space. You might chop vegetables at the kitchen counter while your toddler plays nearby. At the same table, you might go through the mail while your toddler fingerpaints. You’re accessible if your child needs you, but you’re also giving them space to play on their own.
5 benefits of parallel activities
1. It supports children’s independence.
During parallel activities, children entertain themselves and call the shots. This self-reliance feeds confidence and eventually resilience. These traits are important as your child grows and encounters new challenges.
2. It reduces parental burnout.
Parallel activities allow parents to keep an eye on their kiddo while taking care of other tasks or just relaxing nearby. Word to the wise: avoid using screens during parallel activities. They easily distract children from their own play and aren’t all that restorative for parents, either.
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3. It fosters learning through observation and modeling.
Your child’s watching and learning from you during parallel activities. When you read as your child plays with blocks nearby, you’re showing that reading is fun. If you’re journaling as your child draws, you’re making writing and self-expression look appealing. Even if you’re just tidying up around the house, you’re demonstrating how to focus attention, complete tasks, and stay patient in the process.
4. It organically invites curiosity and conversation.
Parallel activities take the pressure off parents to explicitly teach or guide kids. The surprising result is kids sometimes show more organic curiosity when they observe parents doing something or overhear a new word. As kids get older, it’s often easier to get them to open up during side-by-side activities, too.
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5. It can lead to shared tasks and teaches helpfulness.
If your child likes to help, parallel activities can organically lead to your kiddo contributing to tasks you’re doing. If you’re tackling mail, you can show your kiddo how to open envelopes or ask them to take paper to the recycling bin. If you’re preparing dinner, your child can rinse vegetables. This is helpful for you and gives your little one a boost of confidence as they master new skills.
