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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The Magic Pause: A Tip for Raising Independent Kids
This one tip can help you raise independent kids.
How Declining Play Can Benefit Your Child (and You)
How to Set Limits and Encourage Independent Play with Your Child
5 Ways to Enhance Your Child's Decision-Making Skills
Children learn how to make decisions by making decisions, not by being told what to do. Click to learn why decision-making skills matter for your child.
5 ways play helps children develop a strong sense of self
Free play is a crucial aspect of childhood that significantly contributes to a child's development of a strong sense of self. Plus, it’s free! And pretty low-lift for us busy parents.
10 Simple Strategies to Support Independence in Young Children: Tips for Confident Parenting
Do you want to raise confident kids? Check out these simple reframes!
Simple Ways to Support Independence in Young Children
Simple reframes for supporting independence.
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!!
Kids Won’t Listen? 3 Mistakes You May Be Making
If you’re feeling invisible and your kids won’t listen to you… these 3 mistakes might be the reason why.
How to Cultivate Daily Independent Play
Did you know that you can actually TEACH your child the SKILL of independent play? Here’s how.
Three Ways to Connect with Your Tweens and Teens
Are your little kids becoming big kids? Here are three ways to maintain a strong connection with them.
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.