During the toddler stage, children typically begin to develop important skills that contribute to their independence. One of the key milestones for toddlers (ages 1-3 years) is the ability to engage in parallel play. This type of play is crucial for their social development as it allows toddlers to play alongside each other while not necessarily interacting directly.
As a nurse assessing a toddler's development, you should observe their play behavior. Fill in the blank: 'Toddlers often engage in _____ play, which involves playing adjacent to others without much direct interaction.'