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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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)
Stickers and Tape Activity
This is an activity that can be adapted for all ages. Best part? No mess!
How to Talk to Children About Their Artwork
You know that moment when your child proudly shows you his drawing and you have no clue what it is? Click here to learn the best ways of handling that conversation.
An Easy and Mess-Free Activity for Toddlers Through Tweens
Have multiple kids but don’t have the energy to set up separate activities for each of them? Here’s an easy one that all of them will enjoy, and it’s mess-free!!
BASIC ART SUPPLY LIST
The key to keeping things simple when you want to put out playful, creative invitations to make is having sturdy open ended materials at your finger tips. Here are some of my tried and true materials that we ALWAYS have at the ready.
TRANSIENT ART WITH FELT
How to use felt for no-mess play with your toddler, preschooler and big kids.
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.