parallel play!

this is a term often used when young kids/babies play next to one another without playing "together."  that is not a formal definition, but you get the point.  bowie has outgrown this phase and would rather be social and interacting, but i love watching them both at "work" playing and exploring on their own yet sharing the same space!

i tell bowie that her "work" is to play!  i think it is so important for her to engage deeply in play.  she is getting better at independent play again, she was having a rough time for a while since she wanted to be where ryder and i were.  now she is able to do a lot of pretend play again and will do it even with him in the play room.  when he naps that is our time to set up a messy sensory activity or outdoor time for her.  we are finding a good play routine again and ryder is exploring a lot too!