Supporting your child’s development through everyday moments.
One of the biggest misconceptions about DIRFloortime® is that it only happens during therapy sessions.
In reality, Floortime can happen almost anywhere at home, in the backyard, at the park, or while doing everyday routines.
It’s not about having the “right” toys or planning elaborate activities. It’s about creating moments of connection by following your child’s lead and joining in what interests them.
Even 15–20 minutes of intentional, uninterrupted play can have a meaningful impact. Some days, it might simply be a few connected moments throughout your routine.
What does a Floortime session look like?
Every child is different, so there is no “perfect” Floortime session. The activity matters less than the quality of the interaction.
Here are a few examples.
For toddlers
- Playing peekaboo or chasing games
- Blowing bubbles and waiting for your child to ask for more
- Splashing together during bath time
- Singing action songs and taking turns
- Exploring water, sand or playdough together
For preschoolers
- Pretend cooking or having a picnic
- Playing with dolls, animals or superheroes
- Building towers or train tracks together
- Creating obstacle courses
- Reading books and acting out the story
For school-aged children
- Building with LEGO® or construction toys
- Playing board or card games
- Drawing or creating together
- Role-playing favourite characters
- Sharing their special interests while you join in with curiosity
Everyday routines are full of opportunities
Some of the best Floortime moments happen during everyday life.
You can build connection while:
- getting dressed
- preparing meals together
- shopping for groceries
- walking the dog
- driving to school
- tidying up together
- reading a bedtime story
These moments become opportunities for communication, problem solving, emotional connection and shared joy.
It’s not about teaching it’s about connecting
You don’t need to turn every activity into a lesson.
Instead:
- Follow your child’s lead.
- Be fully present.
- Stay curious.
- Join their ideas.
- Keep the interaction going through back-and-forth communication.
When children feel connected, they are more available to learn, communicate and grow.
Small moments make a big difference
DIRFloortime® isn’t about doing more.
It’s about making everyday moments count.
Whether it’s 20 minutes on the floor or five minutes of laughter while making breakfast, those shared moments of connection help build the foundations for communication, emotional regulation, relationships and lifelong learning.
Because sometimes the most meaningful therapy doesn’t look like therapy at all it looks like two people simply sharing joy and having fun being together.
