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.
ALL BLOG POSTS
✸
ALL BLOG POSTS ✸
Search by Category
Helping Your Child Learn to Share: Why Full Turns Matter
Learn how to support your child in the turn-taking process and build their confidence in sharing.
How to Make Playdough at Home and Teach Your Kids to Play with It Independently: A Step-by-Step Guide
All things play dough: Recipe, Where to Buy, Why it is a great tool for learning
THREE TIPS TO BUILD YOUR CHILD'S FRUSTRATION TOLERANCE
You just heard a crash from the playroom and your heart stops. He was working SO hard on that building. Cue the tears and tantrums of frustration…
3 Fun and Engaging Activities to Calm Tired and Cranky Kids
Three easy activities you can pull off when you are both exhausted and need a break.
Tired of Sibling Arguing? Empower Them to End the Fight
Do you find yourself constantly having to intervene in fights between your kids? The constant arguing and bickering can be incredibly frustrating and draining. But what if we told you there was a better way?
Does Your Child Throw Toys? How To Help Them Stop Throwing and Start Playing
Does your child throw toys and supplies instead of playing? Read for exactly how handle it. Plus, my favorite toddler art supplies.
How to Use Narration to Boost Your Child’s Independent Play Skills
Sometimes when we ask questions while our kids are busy at play, we unintentionally insert our own ideas and the magic of independent play doesn't fully come to life. Here’s what you can do instead!
4 Tips for Independent Play On-The-Go With Kids
Traveling with kids can certainly be an adventure, but it's usually not the relaxing vacation we dream of. Try these 4 tips to make your trip smooth sailing!
Supporting Your Child Through Difficult Situations: Phrases to Help Build Resilience
These two phrases will help you and your child through difficult situations.
Strategies for Managing Sensory Overload as an Adult
Sensory overload? This post is for you.
5 Simple Strategies for Less Family Stress
Aiming for perfection in parenting is a myth. Struggle means you and your child are growing and learning. Embrace the messy parts and remember that the hard parts are often our teachers.
Easing Your Child Into School Mode: How to Avoid the Sunday Scaries After Vacation
Got a case of the Sunday Scaries - post vacation? Try these prompts to help ease back into your normal routine.
Simple Ways to Support Independence in Young Children
Simple reframes for supporting independence.
Does Your Child Run Away From You When It's Time to Leave?
Does your child run away when it is time to go?
The Best Lunchboxes for Kids
I’ve been making school lunches for ten years! Read on for my favorite lunch boxes and accessories. Plus- 5 tips top make lunchtime easier for your kids and you.
ICE PLAY FOR CHILDREN
An activity that won’t cost a dime and will entertain a very young child equally as well as a grade schooler.
Five Busy Bags Guaranteed To Keep Kids Occupied on the Go
Make these quick and easy busy bags to keep your kids busy when you are at a restaurant, waiting at the doctor, or anywhere!
Mental Health Days for Kids
All the details on how our family implements mental health days.
Rainbow Rice... How to Make It and Why You’ll Want To
Curious about making a rainbow rice sensory bin? Check out this post for all the tips and tricks!
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.