What is an indicator of a child engaging in solitary play?

A child engaging in solitary play is often deeply absorbed in their own activities, demonstrating a clear indicator of focusing on their personal interests rather than the social dynamics around them. Ignoring the presence of other children signifies that the child is not concerned with interaction or collaboration, which is key in solitary play. This behavior reflects a developmental stage where the child finds enjoyment and fulfillment in playing alone, highlighting their ability to entertain themselves without seeking the involvement of peers.

In contrast, playing alongside peers denotes parallel play, where children may be next to each other but not engaging directly. Competing for toys suggests an interaction that involves rivalry and social engagement, which does not align with solitary play. Cooperating in team games clearly exemplifies social play, where interaction and teamwork are emphasized, further indicating a lack of solitary engagement. Therefore, the correct indicator of solitary play is indeed the child's tendency to ignore others in their play space.