What is Solitary Play in Early Childhood Development

When children play alone, it can often be perceived as a sign that they might be developing social skills slowly, but in reality, solitary play is a crucial aspect of early childhood development. This type of independent play is more than just a solitary activity; it’s an important milestone that nurtures problem-solving skills, emotional growth, self-awareness and creativity. Understanding how solitary play fits into the six stages of play and its role in child development can provide valuable insights into the early childhood growth and development process.

In this blog, we’ll explore the different types of play, the significance of solitary play in early childhood education, and how it contributes to holistic child development. Whether you’re a parent or early childhood educator, knowing what to expect in terms of the developmental milestones and how to support solitary play will help you nurture a young child’s growth at their own pace.

The Six Stages of Play: Where Does Solitary Play Fit?

The development of play in young children is often classified into six stages, outlined by Mildred Parten. These stages provide a roadmap for understanding how children’s play evolves as they grow. Solitary play is typically observed in children ages 3 months to 2 years and is considered the second stage of play, following unoccupied play, and precedes more complex forms like associative play and cooperative play.

Let’s take a closer look at the six stages of play, and where solitary play fits within them:

1. Unoccupied Play (Birth to ~3 months)
   • The first stage of play. At this early stage, babies are simply exploring the world around them. They’re not actively engaging with toys or objects in a meaningful way, but instead, they’re observing their environment, taking in sights, sounds, and textures. 
2. Solitary Play (3 months-2 years)
   • Solitary play is when children play alone, often without interacting with others. They might engage with toys, books, or objects, and their focus is primarily on what’s in front of them. It’s the stage where babies and toddlers learn to entertain themselves, which is an important aspect of their independent play development.
3. Onlooker Play (Ages 2-3.5)
   • At this stage, children observe others playing but don’t actively participate. It’s a form of social observation that helps children learn by watching the actions of others before joining in themselves.
4. Parallel Play (Ages 2-4)
   • Parallel play is when children play side-by-side but do not engage directly. For example, two children might be playing with blocks next to each other, but each child is focused on their own activities without collaborating. Though they’re not interacting, they’re still learning from the presence of other children and developing their social skills in a low-pressure environment.
5. Associative Play (Ages 3-4)
   • Associative play is when children begin to play similar games or use similar toys, but without organizing their activities. For instance, they may talk to each other, share toys, or mimic one another’s actions. This is an important stage for building social skills and practicing communication with peers.
6. Cooperative Play (Ages 4+)
   • Cooperative play is the final stage of play development. Children at this stage actively engage with one another to achieve a common goal, such as building a tower together or playing a game with rules. They learn teamwork, sharing, and collaboration skills. 

Solitary Play: A Deep Dive

Solitary play is a fundamental aspect of early childhood development, providing children with opportunities to explore, experiment, and grow independently. This type of play occurs when children engage with objects or toys on their own, without direct interaction with others. It begins as early as 3 months of age and can continue into the late toddler and preschool years, though its occurrence is not always limited to a specific timeframe. During this stage, children may focus on activities such as stacking blocks, flipping through a book, or exploring toys individually and at their own pace.

Far from being a sign of social withdrawal or developmental concern, solitary play is a necessary and beneficial phase in a child’s growth. It offers young children a calm, low-pressure environment to focus on their own thoughts, skills, and interests. Through this self-directed exploration, children build concentration, practice problem-solving, and begin to understand how objects and the world around them work. For example, a child stacking blocks during solitary play not only practices fine motor skills but also experiments with concepts like balance and gravity.

This stage also gives children the chance to learn about themselves as individuals. By engaging in solitary play, children can discover their personal preferences, skills, and interests. Whether they gravitate toward imaginative activities, creative expression, or problem-solving tasks, this time of independent exploration helps children build a sense of identity. It also fosters self-confidence as they achieve small milestones, like completing a puzzle or figuring out how a toy works, without external guidance or pressure.

Additionally, solitary play sets the stage for more complex forms of social play, such as associative and cooperative play. It helps children develop the foundational skills needed to interact with others, including focus, independence, and creativity. By learning to entertain themselves and regulate their emotions during solitary play, children become better equipped to navigate the challenges and joys of collaborative play later on.

The Importance of Solitary Play in Child Development

Solitary play plays a significant role in the development of a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social abilities. While it may seem that a child who plays alone is missing out on social interaction, it’s actually a key part of their growth. Here’s why:

1. Fostering Independence

• Solitary play allows children to develop a sense of independence. When children play alone, they learn how to entertain themselves, make decisions about how to play, and choose what activities to engage in. This fosters a sense of self-confidence as children learn they are capable of solving problems and completing tasks on their own.

2. Building Problem-Solving Skills

• One of the most valuable benefits of solitary play is the opportunity for children to work through challenges on their own. Whether they are figuring out how to stack blocks or navigate a puzzle, they are developing their problem-solving skills. These cognitive skills will be essential as they grow older and face more complex challenges, both socially and academically.

3. Nurturing Creativity and Imagination

• Solitary play is a great time for children to develop their creativity. When children are engaged in independent play, they often make up their own stories, scenarios, and games. This form of imaginative play helps them develop their creative thinking and storytelling abilities. It also allows them to experiment with different ideas without the influence of other children or adults.

4. Enhancing Concentration and Focus

• When children are playing alone, they often focus on a single task for an extended period of time. This helps them build concentration and persistence, which are important skills for later success in both school and life.

5. Promoting Emotional Regulation

• Solitary play gives children time to process their emotions and engage in activities that calm or excite them. For young children, engaging with toys or objects can be a way to work through feelings and develop a sense of emotional and self-regulation. It also provides opportunities for children to engage in social play when they are ready, ensuring they develop a balanced emotional capacity for both solitary activities and social interaction.

Examples of Solitary Play Activities

There are many types of activities that fall under solitary play. Here are a few examples that highlight how children learn through independent play:

• Looking at Books: Babies and toddlers love flipping through board books, even if they’re not yet able to read. This is a great way for young children to explore new concepts, shapes, colors, and images.
• Building Blocks: Whether it’s stacking blocks or building a tower, solitary play with blocks fosters fine motor skills, patience and concentration and encourages creativity.
• Puzzles: Developmentally appropriate puzzles, such as 8 piece puzzles with large cubes that young children can pick-up, are an excellent example of a solitary activity that promotes problem-solving, fine-motor development and cognitive skills.
• Dress-Up or Pretend Play: While pretend play may involve imagining different scenarios, it can still be done alone. Children engage in imaginative play, whether they’re pretending to be a chef, a doctor, or a superhero, and they can do this while engaging in their own little world.

Addressing Concerns About Solitary Play

As a parent or early childhood educator, you may be concerned if your child is spending too much time playing alone and not interacting with other children. However, it’s important to remember that solitary play is a normal and beneficial part of childhood development. Children naturally progress through the different stages of play, and solitary play is simply a phase in their journey toward social play.

If your child seems more interested in playing alone than with others, you can encourage parallel play or associative play by providing opportunities for them to play alongside other children. Social interaction and collaborative play can become easier for children as they grow and gain confidence and communication skills through solitary play.

If you have concerns about your child’s development, it’s always a good idea to speak with your pediatrician or an early childhood education professional. They can offer guidance on milestones and social skills development, ensuring your child is progressing at their own pace.

Further Your Learning with Lillio Academy

For educators seeking to deepen their understanding of play development in early childhood, Lillio Academy offers the course Early Childhood Socialization: Social Development. This course examines how children develop social skills, linking social growth with cognitive, language, and emotional development. It covers how children engage with others, from infancy to school years, and the lasting impact of these interactions. Whether you’re new to this method or looking to refine your skills, this course is an excellent resource for professional growth.