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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Why It's Important To Allow Your Child's Feelings
Instead of fixing your child’s feelings, help them find ways to cope with what they’re experiencing.
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?
Stop Repeating Yourself Over And Over
Do you find yourself repeating yourself over and over? See this post for some ideas.
How to Stick To Your Limit When Your Child Is Crying
Setting limits is HARD. Setting limits when your child is melting down is even HARDER. Here are 4 steps to help you stay grounded and anchor you in the storm.
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.
Coping With Back to School Anxiety in January 2022
It is normal for your child to have anxiety around heading back to school over the break….
A Simple Strategy to Use When Your Child Asks You to Buy Things
Do your kids ask you to buy them things non-stop around the Holidays (or even year-round)? I have a simple strategy for you.
How to Help Your Kids Stay True to Who They Are Now, and as They Grow Up
How to help your kids stay true to who they are now, and as they grow up.
How to Respond When Your Child Says, “That’s Not Fair!”
Is “That’s not fair!” a common theme in your house? Read this.
How To Respond When Your Child Says, "I'm Stupid!"
“I’m stupid!”. Does your child struggle when things become difficult? Here’s how to navigate these feelings and negative self-talk
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.
Find Out What's on Your Child’s Mind With These Simple Tips
Simple tips to get your child talking, and find out what’s really on their mind.
When Your Child Says, "I Hate You!"
What do do when your child says I hate you, plus our favorite children’s books for talking about anger with your kids.
Parenting strategist, educator + momHi! I’m Lizzie Assa, and I’m not here to fix your kid.
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.
Curated Guides for Home, Play & ParentingToys, tools, travel picks, and gift ideas by age.
(All in one spot.)
These are all the things we’ve used, loved, and shared over the years— organized to make your life easier, not more overwhelming. 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 (+ joy) to everyday play.