Parallel play is a more mature level of play than which of the following?

Parallel play is characterized by children playing next to each other but not directly interacting or collaborating. This type of play typically occurs in early childhood as children develop their individual skills, such as fine motor control and creativity. It serves as a stepping stone towards more complex forms of play.

When considering the development of play, solitary play represents an earlier stage where a child plays alone and is not aware of or influenced by others. As children grow and their social skills develop, they begin to engage in parallel play, showcasing a greater awareness of other children while still focusing on their own activities.

Thus, parallel play is considered a more mature level of play compared to solitary play, as it indicates an emerging interest in the social aspects of play, even if direct interaction is not yet present. This transition is important in the overall developmental trajectory, paving the way towards more interactive forms of play such as associative and cooperative play.