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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PAINTING ACTIVITY ON THE TABLE WITH KIDS
A beautiful painting experience that is a snap to set up.
IS IT OKAY TO LET YOUR KIDS PLAY BAREFOOT?
Benefits of barefoot play and how to deal with the naysayers.
HOW TO TALK TO KIDS ABOUT MAKING MISTAKES
Are mistakes valuable? How to speak to our children about making mistakes and embracing imperfections.
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.
ART (NOT CRAFT) ACTIVITY FOR KIDS
This is a simple art activity NOT to be confused as a crafting activity….
BASIC ART SUPPLY LIST
The key to keeping things simple when you want to put out playful, creative invitations to make is having sturdy open ended materials at your finger tips. Here are some of my tried and true materials that we ALWAYS have at the ready.
Need a Fall DIY Project? Try These Painted Rainbow Pumpkins!
All the deets on Ruby’s rainbow pumpkins.
THREE ACTIVITIES FOR TIRED AND CRANKY KIDS
What to do with tired, craky kids after a long day of school.
TRANSIENT ART WITH FELT
How to use felt for no-mess play with your toddler, preschooler and big kids.
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.