Parallel Play Art Station Setup

2 sets of chunky crayons or washable markers

Large sheets of paper (one per station)

Playdough with simple tools works as an alternative

Set up two identical stations side by side — same materials at each spot. This prevents fights over supplies.

Seat two toddlers (or yourself and your toddler) at the stations.

Start creating at your station without directing their play. Just work alongside them.

Narrate what you're doing casually: "I'm making a big circle. I'm using the blue one."

If a toddler glances at the other person's work, name it: "You noticed the red marks!"

Let them work independently. Don't push them to share or collaborate — that comes later.

Keep it going for as long as they're engaged. Even 5 minutes of focused parallel play is great.

Identical materials are key. If one child has something the other doesn't, conflict is guaranteed.

Don't push interaction. If a toddler glances at the other's work, that counts as social awareness.

This works beautifully with playdough, water play, or even snack time at side-by-side seats.

Parallel play is perfectly normal and healthy through age 2-3. It's not antisocial — it's pre-social.