
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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What is the After-School Restraint Collapse and How to Prepare for It
How to handle transitioning back to school and all of the emotions that come along with it.
How To Learn More About Your Child’s Day at School
Do you want to get your child talking about his or her school day?
5 Ways to Play with Your Toddler Now to Lay the Foundation for Independent Play Later
5 simple strategies to encourage independent play for toddlers, helping them build confidence and creativity while giving you some much-needed me-time. Learn how to foster independence with easy-to-implement tips.
Nurturing Independence: A Month of Growth for Kids (and My Unfiltered Thoughts on Going Back-to-School)
6 ideas to build your child’s sense of self and grow their independence (little and big kid edition)/ 4 honest thoughts about back to school as a mom of 3
Beyond 'You'll Be Fine': 7 Supportive Ways to Handle 'I Don't Want to Go to School
Transform your morning routine- how to validate your little one's feelings without giving in, offer empathy that actually helps, and provide choices that empower your child.
5 Tips to Ease Your Child's Separation Anxiety (and Yours)
Feel better about separation anxiety
Dinner at 3pm?
Ways to make school lunch easier for your newbie/ a lunchbox that’ll last until your kid loses it/ a side-by-side comparison of lunchboxes/ why I used to feed my kids dinner at 3pm
Overscheduled Kids? 10 Must-Ask Questions Before Signing Up for Fall Activities
When my kids were small, I was a SAHM and I did not need childcare. I wanted my kids to be exposed to valuable sports and lessons, but it was more important to me to protect their unscheduled downtime. Leaving as many afternoons open as possible was my goal. At school, they were told when to sit, where to walk, and how to learn. It’s structured down to the minute. At home, I felt that my job was to provide the balance.
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.
Nurturing Self-Directed Play: How to Inspire Your Child's Independence
Learn how to nurture your child's self-directed play with these practical strategies. From observing their interests to creating engaging play invitations, discover how to support your 2-8 year old's independent play skills at home and outdoors.
Cornstarch and Water for Easy Sensory Play
Oobleck is great for kids because it provides a hands-on sensory experience that encourages exploration of non-Newtonian fluids, fostering curiosity and fine motor skills development. Find out the details here.
5 Chores Your Kids Can Start Doing Today
Ever wondered what kind of chores are meant for your child’s age? Check out today’s post for a breakdown on all things chores!
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!
Rough & Tumble Play: Why It's Vital for Kids and How to Guide It Safely
Research shows that rough-and-tumble play helps kids learn to regulate and manage emotions… How to manage when things get too rough.
The Magic Pause: A Tip for Raising Independent Kids
This one tip can help you raise independent kids.
Is Your Child Ready for a Successful Quiet Time Today?
Have you ever noticed that despite a solid routine, there are just some days when you know your child is not going to have a successful quiet time? There’s a good reason and it is completely solvable.
Your Ultimate Checklist: How to Prepare for Kid-Friendly Travel
Traveling with kids? This post is for you.
How Ten Minutes Can Impact Your Child’s Whole Day
What if I told you that there was a SMALL thing you could do right now that would make a MASSIVE difference in how the day goes for your child and you?
Waiting in Line with Kids? Try These 11 Fun Games
We've all been there - stuck in a seemingly endless line at the grocery store, bank, or doctor's office with restless kids in tow. Instead of resorting to screens or melting down from boredom, try engaging your little ones with these simple, on-the-spot games.
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.