A nurse observes a group of 2-year-old toddlers in a pediatric playroom. Which behavior best demonstrates parallel play?

A. Two toddlers playing side by side with separate toys: Parallel play is characteristic of toddlers, where children play independently but in close proximity to others. They may observe each other but do not engage in cooperative interaction, reflecting normal social development at around 2 years of age. B. A toddler watching others but not engaging: This behavior reflects onlooker play, where the child observes others without participating. While it is a recognized stage of play, it does not demonstrate parallel play since there is no active involvement with toys alongside peers. C. A toddler playing alone with no awareness of others: This describes solitary play, which is typical in younger infants and early toddlers. It lacks the element of awareness or proximity to other children that defines parallel play. D. Two toddlers building a tower together: This represents associative or cooperative play, which develops later as children begin to interact, share, and work toward a common goal. It goes beyond the independent, side-by-side activity seen in parallel play.