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.
ALL BLOG POSTS
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ALL BLOG POSTS ✸
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Fostering Resilience: Helping Kids Cope with Disappointment
Instead of fixing your child’s feelings, help them find ways to cope with what they’re experiencing.
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.
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
Helping Your Child Cope with Waiting: Strategies and Book Ideas
It is so hard to wait. Read this for tips.
Books and Simple Activities to Help Sick Kids Feel Better
Are your kids feeling a little under the weather?
Less Screen, More Play: Practical Tips to Minimize Kids' Screen Time
Screen time in and of itself is not the problem. The problem develops when screen time is used as a default instead of a tool. Using screen time as a tool in parenting is not only possible, but beneficial. Drop the guilt and make screens work for you and not against you!
Handling Your Child's Big Feelings and Comforting Books for Kids
Practical tips for managing big emotions and books to help your children process hard feelings.
4 Strategies to Survive Your Child’s Tantrums
Tantrums are natural and normal. But learning how to manage them can be so helpful. Here are 4 ways to manage your child's tantrums.
Breaking the Ice: Simple Tricks to Get Your Kids Chatting About the Tough Stuff
Have you ever found yourself in a spot where your child is going through something tough, and you sense they really need to talk it out, but you're just not sure how to start digging into it? This post will give you some tools to navigate those challenging conversations.
4 Ways Your Kids Can Give Back This Holiday Season (And All Year Round)
How to raise kids who give back
How to Handle Kids' Shopping Demands: Holiday Edition
If your child is constantly asking for things this holiday season, you are not alone! I’ve got a few strategies for you when it comes to responding to your kids when they are asking for EVERYTHING!
One Phrase That Will Transform Your Holidays With Kids
"You really wished you had that too.” Sound simple? This phrase is about to become your go-to, especially when the kids' presents are being flaunted, and feelings of envy start bubbling up.
How to Teach Your Child Gracious Gift Receiving: A Simple Guide
We've all been there: Your child rips open a gift, and the look on their face says it all – it's not what they were hoping for. Read here for some strategies to gracefully navigate these all-too-common situations
8 Kid-Friendly Tips for Stress-Free Thanksgiving Hosting
Hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be a daunting task, especially when you have little ones to consider. But with some creative planning, you can make the holiday enjoyable for guests of all ages, including YOU!
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!)
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.
The Gentle Side of Boo: Creating a Toddler-Friendly Hallowe
magical thinking/ how to know what’s too scary/ halloween hacks for the toddler set
Parenting strategist, educator + mom
Hi! 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 & Parenting
Toys, 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.

