SOMETHING PLAYFUL BLOGReal stories, gentle guidance + small shifts to help you find calm in the middle of it all.
Welcome to the space where we talk about what parenting really looks like. The messy moments. The funny ones. The ones that make you question everything you thought you knew. Here, you’ll find reflections, essays, and practical tools to help you raise connected, curious kids (and feel a little more grounded yourself along the way). No perfection. No guilt. Just real-life parenting.
A READ YOU CAN't miss:Maybe a “Good Day” at School Isn’t What You Think
From preschool pickup to college drop-off, this part hasn’t changed.
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ALL BLOG POSTS ✸
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Don’t Turn the Car Around: Why holding back is sometimes the most supportive parenting move you can make.
Rescuing them from discomfort also robs them of resilience.
The Ultimate Back-to-School Survival Guide for Moms Who Want to Stay Sane This September.
Because ripped backpacks, untouched lunches, and mystery leaks don’t need to be part of your story.
School Readiness Isn’t Reciting the Alphabet
…It’s being able to handle a “no” at the bakery.
Stop Explaining the Fish
Why stepping back is the parenting move no one talks about (but every child needs)
How to Actually Enjoy Vacation With Kids (Yes, Even Little Ones)
It won’t be perfect or tantrum-free, but if you play your cards right, it can be very enjoyable. Not because you have the perfect family, but because you’ve found what actually works for your imperfect family.
You Don’t Have to Recreate a 90's Summer- let go of the pressure and keep the good stuff
Why trying too hard backfires/ loose routines/ screens are not the enemy/ ways to deal with boredom/ easy summer play ideas
We Didn’t Homeschool, But We Did This Instead.
An Unbusy Childhood/ We Said No So Our Kids Could Rest/ Birthday Party Boundaries/ Quiet Time/ Open Doors and Messy Floors
Is This Worth Setting Up? 4 Questions to Ask Before Starting Any Activity with Kids
why some crafts might be setting you and your child up for failure/One Shell, 4 Prompts by Age (toddler, preschool, early grades, teens and tweens)
Beach Survival Guide for Moms Who Want to Sit Down This Summer (Even with little kids.)
You don’t need to sweat the beach with kids. You need smart systems, durable gear, and some surprisingly simple play tools.
How to Set Up Long Lasting Potion Play
creating childhood memories/ what they're learning/ why it's more than just "keeping them busy"
When Others Question Your Child's Play Time
Permission granted NOT to sign up for that extra enrichment- Your kids are developing the skills they need through simple, unstructured play, so you can let out the breath you are holding.
If Your Kids Won’t Cooperate, It Might Be More About You Than Them
If the tactics you grew up with aren't working, here's what will...
When Your Kid Is the "Only One" Without a Phone
From a mom whose 11yo REALLY wishes she had one. Plus, 10 one-liners for when you already said no.
Build Your Child's Confidence and Executive Function Skills With Paper and Glue
How a simple collage can build executive function/ our favorite collage materials that are probable in your recycle bin/ an easy, no-glue option/ a tip for connection
How to Respond When Others Question Your Child's Play Time
Your child isn't just playing—they're building their brain in ways that matter most. Read this post to learn how to respond when others question this essential part of childhood.
How to Set Up a Simple Outdoor Tinkerspace for Creative Summer Play
Tip on how to start small and keep it simple, along with ideas for materials to include. Create a magical space for your kids to play.
From Chaos to Cooperation: 4 Ways to Get Your Kids to Listen Without Losing Your Mind
Tired of threats and bribes that don't work? Discover four practical strategies to get your children to cooperate without the power struggles. Learn how connecting, respecting their time, involving them in decisions, and seeing things through their eyes can transform your daily parenting struggles into moments of connection.
Parenting strategist, educator + momHi! I’m Lizzie Assa, and I’m not here to fix your kid.
I’m here to help you feel better while you raise them.
I’m a parenting strategist, educator, and mom of three big kids who were once little and loud and made me question everything. Now I help parents of kids under 12 do it differently. Not perfectly. Just with more clarity, more connection, and way less second-guessing.
Curated Guides for Home, Play & ParentingToys, tools, travel picks, and gift ideas by age.
(All in one spot.)
These are all the things we’ve used, loved, and shared over the years— organized to make your life easier, not more overwhelming. From gifts for ages 1–12 to water play essentials, creative art supplies, travel gear, and smart storage finds, these curated favorites help you bring more ease (+ joy) to everyday play.