Greenspan Floortime is Dr. Stanley Greenspan’s foundational child development approach, where caregivers follow the child’s lead in play to build connection, communication, and thinking — the core of the Greenspan/DIR Model.
‘Following the child’s lead’ means entering the child’s world — joining whatever they are doing or thinking about — rather than redirecting them to adult-chosen activities. It means watching what captivates the child, getting curious about their interests, and building on what they initiate. This is the foundational principle of Greenspan Floortime.
Following the child’s lead leverages the child’s own motivation and emotional investment. When a child is doing what they love, they are in an optimal state for learning and connection. By joining and expanding that activity, the caregiver creates circles of communication within a context of joy — where the deepest developmental growth happens.
True Greenspan Floortime following means being an active, joyful participant who joins the child’s world AND gently expands it. The caregiver follows the child’s emotional theme and interest while opening circles of communication and creating opportunities for connection and thinking — not simply watching passively.