Engaging Parents

Do you ever feel like there is a secret "Floortime" code that your therapist is using to describe your child's development? Maybe you are reading a report, or chatting during session, and your therapist starts rambling off lingo that makes your eyes glaze over. As much as we try to avoid this, there are certain words and phrases that come up in the world of DIR/Floortime, and sensory integration, that do not get as much traction in our daily conversations. Well, I'm here to break the code. Here are some commonly used phrases decrypted for you: Circles of Communication: You hear this one a LOT. Opening and closing circles of communication is probably one of your child's goals. Basically we are looking at how many times you can keep up a verbal or gestural exchange with your child where you are all sharing the same idea. We count circles as back and forth exchanges, until someone is not responsive or  non-contingent ( a fancy way of saying off-topic)...

B athtime is one of the best times to integrate your therapy goals into daily life, especially when it comes to sensory integration and having some sweet, face-to-face time with your children. There are so many different ways to make bath time engaging and fun! I decided to break down my suggestions into different sections. * As always, please consult your individual therapist to make sure these ideas fit your child's developmental level and individual differences.  3 Ways to Bring Floortime into Bath-time: 1. Grab a stool and sit down next to your child so you are at eye level. 2. Practice back and forth communication with songs. Leave out words for your child to fill in, or model hand gestures and signs and wait for them to try to copy you. Even if they are just watching, this is a great time to expose them to new words, gestures, and melodies.   3. Throw in some waterproof symbolic toys and play with them!  If your child is very concrete in their thinking,...

W elcome parents! If you are here it is likely because your child is receiving DIR/Floortime therapy. My hope is that this blog becomes a place for you to gather some quick tips and activity ideas to help you spice up your Floortime sessions with your child at home! Wait, I'm supposed to be doing Floortime on my own? Yes! In order for your child to get the most out of the Floortime approach, it is essential that you carry over the techniques in your daily life. Aim for two, 20-minute sessions per day with your child. Where do I start? Well, that's sort of the purpose of this blog... to help parents like you figure out how to be an "engaging parent" during your normal, daily routine. I am a parent of a toddler, so I understand that finding time to add something extra into your life can feel impossible. So each post will be tailored to help you fit Floortime moments into activities you have already been doing—bath time, meal times, bed times, etc. Not only ...