
SOMETHING PLAYFUL BLOG
Real 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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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.
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.
Teaching Independent Play: How to Help Your Child Who Needs Constant Feedback
If you have a child who constantly seeks attention and feedback, you might think they’ll never play independently. But rest assured, all children can learn to play independently. It may just take a little extra effort and patience on your part.
Fostering Trust Through Independent Play
As a fellow parent and a play expert, I've learned that one of the most valuable gifts we can give our children (and ourselves) is the freedom to play independently. This not only sparks their creativity and decision-making skills but also builds their confidence and trust in their own abilities.
8 Fun & Easy Spring Activities for Kids and Tired Parents
Looking for some simple, engaging outdoor activities to bridge the post-nap to dinner gap?
Turning Boredom into Play: Easy Ways to Spark Your Child's Creativity
When your child complains of boredom, it's not a lack of ideas, but rather a need for skills, resources, confidence, and clear play boundaries. Try these tips!
5 Reasons to Let Your Kids Be Barefoot
Let's talk about the benefits of letting your kids play barefoot, including improved foot and leg strength, sensory stimulation, and better balance and coordination skills. While some adults may raise eyebrows or disapprove, science-backed data shows that going barefoot can contribute to healthy physical and cognitive development.
3 Essential Tips to Get Kids Playing: Insight from a Mom and Play Expert
You know how important play is for your child, but sometimes play can feel overwhelming. Here are three simple tips that can transform your child’s playtime.
Encouraging Independent Play: Strategies for Overcoming Parental Obstacles
If your child is struggling to play independently, use these play tips to help toddlers, preschoolers, and grade schoolers.
Rethinking "Be Careful": Encouraging Self-Trust Over Constant Caution
Have you ever paused to consider that the frequent caution of telling your child to "Be Careful!" might actually inhibit their learning and growth more than protect them? Click to learn more!
How Declining Play Can Benefit Your Child (and You)
How to Set Limits and Encourage Independent Play with Your Child
3 Creative Indoor Play Ideas with LALO's Sorting Coins: Perfect for Toddlers and Preschoolers
There is a cold front rolling across much of the country this week, so it looks like we will be playing indoors. Sometimes a new twist on an already loved toy is all you need to get the littles playing productively while you grab a few minutes to yourself.
Creating Play Spaces: A Guide to Encouraging Independent Play at Home
Three tips for more independent play at home
Narrating Play: Boost Your Child's Growth & Independence
Sometimes playing with your baby can feel daunting. Here’s a way to play that will not only boost development but also build the foundation for independent play later on. (plus our favorite play for baby!)
6 Reasons to Start Playing More Board Games as a Family
Looking for some new board games to play as a family?
High Impact, Low Effort Ways To Connect With Your Kids
Are you struggling to connect with your child and is it showing in their behavior?
Hi! I’m Lizzie Assa, and I’m not here to fix your kid.
Parenting strategist, educator + mom
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.

THE PLAY SHOP YOU’VE BEEN SEARCHING FOR
My 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.