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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Everything You Need to Know About Doll Play
Activities to encourage doll play and all the reasons why doll play is valuable for your child.
Indoor Play for Kids Who Need to Move
What to do with your active kids when you are stuck indoors.
Pumpkin Play for Babies, Toddlers, and Preschoolers
Three easy ways to use your mini pumpkins with your baby, toddler and preschooler.
Easy Halloween Play Dough Jars
Halloween play dough in a jar makes a festive treat that won’t break the bank.
MESSY PLAY
Don’t shy away from messy play! Here are some tips, tricks, and ideas to encourage messy play that also ensures your house and resources don’t suffer.
A New Way to Think About 'Wasting' Art Supplies
Worried about your kids wasting art supplies? Here’s why you shouldn’t be.
Play Trays for Remote Learning Screen Breaks or Anytime
Simple play trays for remote learning breaks or anytime at all.
Easy Art Activity for Kids
Simple activity for the whole family to enjoy. Takes only minutes to set up.
THREE ACTIVITIES FOR TIRED AND CRANKY KIDS AND MOMS
Three easy activities you can pull off when you are both exhausted.
An Easy Guide to Keeping the Kids Entertained at Home
Easy activities for all ages for when you are feeling cooped up at home, or anytime!
IS IT OKAY TO LET YOUR KIDS PLAY BAREFOOT?
Benefits of barefoot play and how to deal with the naysayers.
FIVE REASONS TO MAKE A FAMILY PHOTO BOOK
Did you know that family photo books are a great way to encourage reading?
Simple Stick and Bead Mobile: A Family Art Project
A simple art project for the whole family.
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.