Final answer:
The observed behavior of the 18-month-old children playing side by side without interaction is called Parallel play. This type of play is part of early childhood development and precedes more interactive forms like Associative or Cooperative play. Understanding play and attachment styles is critical for assessing child development stages.
Step-by-step explanation:
The type of play that the nurse has observed where two 18-month-old children are playing side by side in a sandbox, watching each other but not interacting, is known as Parallel play. This is a normal stage of play in early childhood where children play adjacent to each other but do not try to influence one another's behavior. This form of play is essential, as it helps children learn about the world and develop social and sensory-motor skills at their own pace before they are ready for more interactive forms of play like Associative or Cooperative play.
Attachment Styles in Children
Regarding attachment styles, when a child uses the parent as a base from which to explore their world, it exemplifies a secure attachment style, which is an important aspect of a child's developmental process.
Development of Play in Older Children
As children grow older, particularly from the ages of six to ten, their play evolves. They start to engage in more mixed-gender groups and learn valuable life skills like cooperating and sharing through their interactions with peers and participation in activities such as sports teams or other formal peer groups.