What is onlooker play?

Onlooker play is a stage of play development in which children observe and watch others play without actively participating in the activity. This type of play typically occurs in children between the ages of two and three years old.

During onlooker play, children may show interest in what their peers are doing, but may not feel comfortable or ready to join in the play themselves. This can be due to a variety of reasons, such as shyness, uncertainty, or a lack of understanding of how to play with others.

Onlooker play is a normal and common stage of social development for young children, and can help them learn social skills and gain a better understanding of how to interact with their peers. It can also be a way for children to observe and learn new play strategies, games, and behaviors from their peers.

As children grow and develop, they will typically progress from onlooker play to more interactive forms of play, such as parallel play, associative play, and cooperative play. It is important for parents and caregivers to support and encourage children during this stage of play development, while also allowing them the space and time they need to feel comfortable joining in play activities.