Certified Pediatric Nurse (CPN)

At what age can most children engage in cooperative play with peers?

1. 1 year old

2. 2 years old

3. 3 years old

4. 4 years old

The correct answer is: 3 years old

Most children can engage in cooperative play with peers around the age of three. At this stage of development, children start to show the ability to share, take turns, and play alongside each other in a more organized manner, often involving more complex interactions with peers. This is a significant milestone in social development, as cooperative play requires communication and shared goals, which are skills that typically emerge around this age. During cooperative play, children may create games, share toys, and participate in group activities that require teamwork and collaboration. The development of these social skills is crucial for establishing friendships and understanding social norms. By age three, children are also becoming more aware of others' feelings and are able to respond in more socially appropriate ways, further facilitating cooperative interactions. In contrast, younger children, such as those at the ages of one and two, are primarily engaged in parallel play, where they play beside one another without significant interaction. At these earlier stages, children do not yet possess the necessary social skills or cognitive understanding to engage fully in cooperative play.