What is a common behavior in the development of a toddler around 18 months?

The behavior of engaging in parallel play alongside peers is a common characteristic of toddlers around 18 months of age. At this stage of development, children begin to show interest in the presence of other children, yet they typically play beside each other rather than directly with one another. This form of play is significant as it lays the groundwork for social interaction and cooperation in future play scenarios.

During parallel play, children might use similar materials or engage in similar types of play but do so independently, reflecting their emerging social awareness. This stage helps toddlers start to understand the concept of sharing and observing others, contributing to their social and emotional development.

In contrast, constructive play, solitary play, and organized group play are typically associated with different developmental stages or patterns. Constructive play generally emerges later as children develop the ability to manipulate objects with more intent and creativity. Solitary play is more common in younger infants before they develop an awareness of other children. Organized group play requires higher levels of social skills and cooperation, which are not usually fully developed at 18 months.