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.
ALL BLOG POSTS
✸
ALL BLOG POSTS ✸
Search by Category
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.
Stop Explaining the Fish
Why stepping back is the parenting move no one talks about (but every child needs)
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)
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.
The 'Manipulative' Child Myth: What Your Child is Really Telling You
Why Your Child's 'Difficult' Behavior Might Be Their Best Attempt to Communicate
Helping Your Young Child Build A Positive Self-Image With Words of Affirmation
Today's blog post discusses the power of words of affirmation in parenting. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and verbalizing positive qualities in our children and how it can build their self-esteem and self-image.
Breaking Free from the "Look, Mommy!" Loop: Building Independent Play Skills
If you have a child who constantly seeks attention and feedback, you might think they’ll never play independently. Try these simple tips…
Feeling Like a 'Bad Parent'? Here's Why You're Not - and One Simple Trick to Boost Your Kid's Independence
Feeling Like a 'Bad Parent'? Here's Why You're Not - and One Simple Trick to Boost Your Kid's Independence
Mastering Kid Cooperation: Why Threats and Bribes Fail & Effective Strategies That Work
A few reasons our knee-jerk reactions to getting kids to cooperate won’t work, and what to do instead…
How You Praise Your Child Matters...But Not That Much
Praise is getting a bad rap. Let's talk about it.
Forced Family Fun Day: Why I Insist on Together Time Even When My Teens Don't Want
(a glimpse into parenting teens and my go-to resource)
What is the After-School Restraint Collapse and How to Prepare for It
How to handle transitioning back to school and all of the emotions that come along with it.
Nurturing Independence: A Month of Growth for Kids (and My Unfiltered Thoughts on Going Back-to-School)
6 ideas to build your child’s sense of self and grow their independence (little and big kid edition)/ 4 honest thoughts about back to school as a mom of 3
Dinner at 3pm?
Ways to make school lunch easier for your newbie/ a lunchbox that’ll last until your kid loses it/ a side-by-side comparison of lunchboxes/ why I used to feed my kids dinner at 3pm
Nurturing Self-Directed Play: How to Inspire Your Child's Independence
Learn how to nurture your child's self-directed play with these practical strategies. From observing their interests to creating engaging play invitations, discover how to support your 2-8 year old's independent play skills at home and outdoors.
Rough & Tumble Play: Why It's Vital for Kids and How to Guide It Safely
Research shows that rough-and-tumble play helps kids learn to regulate and manage emotions… How to manage when things get too rough.
The Magic Pause: A Tip for Raising Independent Kids
This one tip can help you raise independent kids.
Is Your Child Ready for a Successful Quiet Time Today?
Have you ever noticed that despite a solid routine, there are just some days when you know your child is not going to have a successful quiet time? There’s a good reason and it is completely solvable.
How Ten Minutes Can Impact Your Child’s Whole Day
What if I told you that there was a SMALL thing you could do right now that would make a MASSIVE difference in how the day goes for your child and you?
Hi! I’m Lizzie Assa, and I’m not here to fix your kid.
Parenting strategist, educator + momI’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.
THE PLAY SHOP YOU’VE BEEN SEARCHING FORMy favorite toys, art supplies, storage hacks, and travel must-haves—all in one place.
Over the years, I’ve tested more toys, activities, and playroom setups than I can count. These are the ones that actually last—the ones your kids will come back to again and again. 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 (and joy) to everyday play.