11/04/2025
Rethinking and how often, as adults, we operate side-by-side
Just because they’re not talking doesn’t mean they’re not connecting.
Just because they’re not playing together doesn’t mean they’re not playing with.
Parallel play—when kids play side-by-side, doing their own thing—is often misunderstood as a “baby” stage of development. But here’s the truth: older kids do it, too. Teens do it. Adults do it…ever heard of coworking spaces?
In a healthy play ecosystem, not every moment needs to be loud, cooperative, or obviously social. Some kids draw next to each other without a word and still feel deeply seen. Others build in quiet rhythm, sharing glances, ideas, or just space. This kind of play honors autonomy while building belonging.
When we zoom out, the play ecosystem isn’t just about what kids do—it’s about the invisible threads between them:
• Proximity that builds comfort
• Mirroring that builds connection
• Quiet that builds trust
They are playing together—just not the way adults expect.
