
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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Water Play for Kids: The Benefits and Easy Setup for Parents | Animal Washing Station Idea
Looking for an easy and affordable way to keep your kids entertained while promoting their learning and development? Try setting up a water play station! Our animal washing station idea is a hit with kids and helps promote muscle development, cognitive growth, and language skills. Discover the benefits of water play with our tips for easy setup.
Top Gear for Spring Outdoor Play with Your Kids
Spring gear to get the kids playing outside for hours.
5 Reasons to Let Your Kids Be Barefoot
Let's talk about the benefits of letting your kids play barefoot, including improved foot and leg strength, sensory stimulation, and better balance and coordination skills. While some adults may raise eyebrows or disapprove, science-backed data shows that going barefoot can contribute to healthy physical and cognitive development.
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.
Encouraging Independent Play: Strategies for Overcoming Parental Obstacles
If your child is struggling to play independently, use these play tips to help toddlers, preschoolers, and grade schoolers.
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!
Why You Should Take Your Toys Out of the Playroom
Guess what happens when you take a toy OUT of your playroom and IN to the spotlight?
How Do Children Use Play Silks?
How many ways can you use a play silk? Dust off those play silks and watch your child’s independent play explode!
3 Creative Indoor Play Ideas with LALO's Sorting Coins: Perfect for Toddlers and Preschoolers
There is a cold front rolling across much of the country this week, so it looks like we will be playing indoors. Sometimes a new twist on an already loved toy is all you need to get the littles playing productively while you grab a few minutes to yourself.
3 Simple Toys to Enhance Your Toddler's Emotional and Social Growth - Tips You Need!
If you have a toddler, you know their emotions can be a whirlwind. As parents, it's our job to guide them through this complex emotional landscape. Surprisingly, some of the most effective tools for this task are toys you probably already have at home. In this blog post, we'll explore how playdough, stuffed animals, and markers and paper can be transformed into instruments of social and emotional growth for your toddler.
6 Essential Tips for Creating a Safe Independent Play Space for Your Child
You finally got them to play independently, and now you’re worried about whether or not it’s safe to let them play independently!
Revitalize Playtime: 3 Expert Strategies to Get Your Kids Playing With Their Toys
Your child's eyes sparkled with every gift they unwrapped this Christmas, but now, those same toys are gathering dust in the corner. Before frustration sets in, take a deep breath. We’ve got you covered with a few effective strategies to transition from toy overload to productive independent play.
Turning Busy Days into Playful Moments: Toddler-Friendly Tips for the Holidays
How to turn your whining toddler into a playful toddler when you are hustling to get it all done.
Creating Play Spaces: A Guide to Encouraging Independent Play at Home
Three tips for more independent play at home
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!)
How to Host a Playdate at Home
Playdates are an important way to support your child’s socialization. Don’t miss these tips on how to make them run smoothly.
How to Talk to Children About Their Artwork
You know that moment when your child proudly shows you his drawing and you have no clue what it is? Click here to learn the best ways of handling that conversation.
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.