FloorTime Therapy Explained: A Simple Guide for Parents

As parents, we treasure those priceless moments spent with our children. We play together, laugh together, and see them investigate their surroundings. Some children may find it difficult to engage, connect, or behave in expected ways. The FloorTime approach is a powerful and playful therapeutic approach to utilize with these children. FloorTime therapy will be discussed in this blog article together with its benefits for children and how it works.

What is FloorTime?

Focused on creating strong, healthy relationships between children and their caregivers, FloorTime is also known as the DIR/FloorTime (developmental, individual-difference) approach. The relationship-based (DIR) model is a therapeutic method. It is based on the idea that emotional connection is vital for all areas of development, including social, emotional, cognitive, and language skills. What is FloorTime therapy in simple words? It’s about meeting a child where they are, joining their world, and using play to establish a bridge to build a connection. 

Connecting Through Play: The FloorTime Approach

The FloorTime approach is all about following a child’s lead. The adult enters their world down on the floor with the child instead of guiding the play. This might involve joining in with them in their imaginary play, following their interests, or just being there and being attentive. The intention is to create a common experience, strengthening bonds and motivating interaction. 

Important FloorTime Concepts:

• Rather than imposing your own agenda, you need to follow the interests and activities of the child. The adult actively joins in the child’s play, therefore serving as a companion in their world.
• FloorTime emphasizes building a friendly, encouraging, and interesting interaction as well as helping children develop fundamental social, emotional, cognitive, and language skills via play and interaction. 

How Effective is FloorTime Therapy?

FloorTime sessions involve:

• Entering the child’s world: 

You see their play while down on the floor with them.

• Following the child’s lead

You follow the child’s lead by participating in their activities, therefore reflecting their behavior and pursuing their interests.

• Creating an atmosphere for interaction

You respond to the child’s cues and movements, therefore generating chances for engagement and communication.

• Developing emotional connection

You concentrate on establishing a good and interesting interaction, therefore strengthening connection and confidence. 

Benefits of FloorTime Therapy

• Improved Social Skills

Children who receive FloorTime Therapy learn to interact with people, create relationships, and recognize social signs, therefore enhancing their social skills.

• Enhanced Emotional Regulation

Children grow in their capacity to control their emotions and handle challenging circumstances.

• Better Communication Skills

Children develop a better understanding of others and a better ability to express themselves, therefore enhancing their communication abilities.

• Heightened Cognitive Development

Play-based interactions support cognitive development and problem-solving ability.

• Strengthened Parent or Therapist Child Bond

FloorTime gives parents or therapists and children chances to establish closer connections, therefore strengthening their bond. 

FloorTime: Who Can Benefit From It?

FloorTime can help a lot of children, especially those with 

• Developmental disabilities
• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• Social-emotional challenges
• Sensory processing challenges
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) 

DIR FloorTime Occupational Therapy

DIR/FloorTime blends occupational therapy approaches with FloorTime concepts. While concentrating on creating emotional connection and interaction, occupational therapists can utilize FloorTime to assist children in developing particular abilities, such as fine motor skills, gross motor skills, social-emotional skills, and sensory processing skills. 

FloorTime at Home: Parental Advice

Floor time ideas can be applied in your daily interaction with your child. The following are some suggestions:

• Lower yourself to the floor. Join your child in their play, thereby meeting them exactly where they are.
• Lead by their example: Let your child lead the play; resist the need to direct or regulate the activities.
• Be present and attentive; give your child 100% of your attention, clearing distractions and emphasizing the interactions.
• Respond to your child’s cues, gestures, and vocalizations, then support communication.
• Bring enthusiasm and enjoyment to the interaction so that both of you enjoy it and find it interesting.

Building Bridges to Form Connections

FloorTime is more than just a therapy tool—it’s a way to connect with your child on a deeper level. It encourages emotional growth, strengthens relationships, and helps children reach their full potential through play. By using the FloorTime method, parents can create meaningful moments of connection, supporting their child’s development in multiple ways. At Extra Steps, we believe every child deserves the opportunity to thrive.