25/04/2026
Not all children play the same way… and that’s okay.
Before children learn to truly play with others, they move through a series of stages, from playing alone, to watching, to playing side by side, and eventually working together.
You might notice your child:
• prefers to play on their own
• watches others but doesn’t join in
• plays next to other children, not with them
• finds group play overwhelming
These are all part of development.
But if play is feeling tricky or stressful for your child, it might mean they need a bit more support building those skills.
With the right support, play can become something your child feels confident and comfortable in.
