#ssstart

Try using DIR Floortime with your children at home! It can be used with children of any ages, and it’s a great way to enjoy play-time with your child while developing a relationship with them and teaching them new things.

Developmental

Individual Differences

Relational

6-8 sessions per day

20 or more uninterrupted minutes for each session

Integrates principles from the D, I, and R in DIR                                          

This approach focuses on engaging and relating with your child and to build relationships and communication. Your child needs to be calm and focused before he is ready to interact and learn with you, so try to make sure he is in a comfortable environment and his sensory needs are being attended to.

The goal of DIR Floortime is to move into a shared world with your child! When your child is engaged and interacting with you, this motivates him to communicate with you.

Move into a shared world with your child by watching and waiting to see what interests him. Once he finds an object activity in which he is interested, encourage your child to expand on this interest. Wait for a response from your child, and keep the interaction going! These interactions are called “Circles of Communications.” Try to get as many circles of communications going as you can! For example, if your child is interested in pretending to cook, encourage them to make you something to eat as well! Wait and encourage him to respond, and once he does, keep watching to see what he is interested in next.

1. Stop arguing – Arguing with your child is like trying to nail Jell-O® to the wall. It can’t be done, and neither can “winning” the argument.

2. Let go of control – Give two, and only two choices. Asking, “Do you want to wear the white shirt or the blue shirt?” puts your child in the driver’s seat and gives the illusion of control. When the child feels in control, they are less likely to say “No!”

3. Stay calm – As hard as it may be, not reacting can be a powerful tool when attempting to diffuse a temper tantrum. For example, if your child demands cereal for breakfast and promptly throws the cereal on the floor, calmly acknowledge that he/she did not want the cereal.

4. Feeling important can go a long way in preventing a tantrum. If the goal is to leave the house, asking your child to help find his/her shoes or toy to bring along can provide a sense of independence and pride.

5. Ignoring with purpose – As simple as it sounds, ignoring the negative behavior and praising the positive behavior communicates what is expected. Look for opportunities to tell your toddler you like what they are doing or how they are behaving.

6. Get silly – Dancing, breaking into song, or putting on a silly act can distract your child long enough to accomplish what it is that needs accomplishing. A laughing child is much more likely to get in the car to go to the store than a toddler in the middle of an argument.