A child is not giving his toys to another. This type of play is?

AIIMS Rishikesh & Jodhpur NO - 2017

Child Health Nursing (Pediatrics)

Easy

Appeared in: AIIMS Rishikesh & Jodhpur NO - 2017

Explanation

The scenario describes a child playing independently alongside another child without sharing or interaction, which is the definition of parallel play.
This is a normal and important stage of social development, typically seen in toddlers (around 18 months to 2 years old), as they learn to be comfortable around peers.
In parallel play, children are often interested in the same toys and may observe each other, but they do not coordinate their activities or try to influence each other's play.

Option B: Group play, also known as cooperative play, involves children actively playing together, sharing toys, and working towards a common goal. This is the opposite of the behavior described.
Option C: Social play is a broad category that includes interactive play like associative and cooperative play. Parallel play is considered a precursor to true social play because interaction is absent.
Option D: Since only one option (Parallel play) correctly describes the scenario, 'All of the above' is incorrect.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Developmental Stages of Play (Parten's Theory) as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Nurses use knowledge of play stages to assess a child's developmental progress during health check-ups. A significant delay in progressing from one stage to the next can be an early indicator of a developmental or social issue.
In a hospital setting, understanding play helps nurses provide age-appropriate toys and activities (therapeutic play) that reduce stress, promote normal development, and help the child cope with the hospital experience.
What if? If a 5-year-old child only engages in parallel or solitary play and consistently avoids all group activities, it would be a red flag for a potential social or developmental delay, warranting further assessment and referral.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the core action in the question stem: a child is playing near another but is not sharing or interacting.
Next, recall the different developmental stages of play, specifically how children interact with others in each stage (e.g., solitary, parallel, associative, cooperative).
Compare the described action to the definition of each type of play. The behavior of playing 'alongside' but 'not with' others is the key feature.
This behavior perfectly matches the definition of 'parallel play'.
Eliminate the other options. 'Group play' and 'social play' require interaction, which is absent. Therefore, 'All of the above' is also incorrect.

Concept Tested & Keywords

Concept Tested: Developmental Stages of Play (Parten's Theory)
Stem keywords: child, not giving toys, play
Lead-in keywords: This type of play is
Clinical cues: Age/sex group narrows the expected diagnosis, intervention, or normal reference range.

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E6 Text Book Of Pediatric Nursing 3rd Panchali Pal — Part 1 (pp 36-238 of 713) p. 134-136