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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Winter Activity for Kids in the Woods
Make a simple cranberry garland for the birds… an easy Winter activity your kids will love!
Body Portraits Activity for Kids
Three body tracing activities. Why this activity is great for your child and how to do it three ways.
A New Way to Think About 'Wasting' Art Supplies
Worried about your kids wasting art supplies? Here’s why you shouldn’t be.
How to Dye Your Own Wooden Toys for Art and Play
The easiest way to make your own colorful wooden toys.
Easy Art Activity for Kids
Simple activity for the whole family to enjoy. Takes only minutes to set up.
PAINTING ACTIVITY ON THE TABLE WITH KIDS
A beautiful painting experience that is a snap to set up.
Simple Stick and Bead Mobile: A Family Art Project
A simple art project for the whole family.
ART (NOT CRAFT) ACTIVITY FOR KIDS
This is a simple art activity NOT to be confused as a crafting activity….
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.
Need a Fall DIY Project? Try These Painted Rainbow Pumpkins!
All the deets on Ruby’s rainbow pumpkins.
TRANSIENT ART WITH FELT
How to use felt for no-mess play with your toddler, preschooler and big kids.
AN INVITATION TO PAINT WITH KIDS
Looking for a simple afternoon activity? Psst. There are lots of ways to adapt this.
COOKING WITH RADDISH KIDS
Tips for getting your kids into the kitchen and cooking with Raddish 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.