The End of Parallel Play

I've noticed recently that CJ is playing with his friends, as opposed to playing beside his friends.  My books say that somewhere between the ages of 3 and 4, kids start to play with other kids, as opposed to parallel play where they play in the same general area, but not with each other.

At a school picnic on Friday, CJ played hopscotch with other kids, then around and played with a shovel with his buddies Jack and Caden.  I was impressed, btw, that rough housing  and playing with a shovel did not turn into boo-boos or hurt feelings.  The boys were great!

When CJ's friends come or a playdate, the kids will tell stories to each other, make their trains interact with each other, and comment on each other's artwork.