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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Book Suggestions By Age
These delightful reads will ignite the imagination, foster early development, and create precious moments of connection with your little ones.
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.
When Your Child Doesn't Want To Go To School
Is you child having a difficult time transitioning back to school? Check out this blog post for tips on how to make that change a little easier.
One Truth About Back to School That I Wish More People Were Talking About
after-school restraint collapse/ ways to reduce overwhelm for your child/ simple after school snack ideas/ ways to reduce parental overwhelm
The Last Week of Summer Survival Guide: Navigating the End-of-Summer Slump with Your Tween
It's the last week of summer... we are done.
Back to School Roundup
I scoured the internet for everything you’ll need (and want) to send the kids back to school in style
Keeping Kids Occupied in the Pediatrician's Waiting Room
Keeping young children occupied in a waiting room can be a bit of a challenge, but with a little preparation and creativity, parents can make the wait more enjoyable and less stressful
5 Expert Tips to Ease Preschool Drop-Off Anxiety: Building Confidence Together
Ease preschool drop-off anxiety with these 5 expert tips. Learn how to build your child's confidence, foster resilience, and create a smoother transition into school with simple, effective strategies that encourage emotional preparedness.
5 Creative Ways to Ease the Back-to-School Transition: A Guide for Parents and Caregivers
With the back-to-school season upon us, the excitement, anticipation, and sometimes anxiety can be felt by both parents and children alike. Here are five creative, child-centered strategies to help ease this transition.
10 Simple Strategies to Support Independence in Young Children: Tips for Confident Parenting
Do you want to raise confident kids? Check out these simple reframes!
Conquering Separation Anxiety: 5 Proven Strategies to Support Your Child's Transition to School
For many children (and parents!), this can be a time of high anxiety and stress, particularly when it comes to saying goodbye at the classroom door. But don't worry, I'm here to help.
5 Key Tips for a Smooth School Lunchtime
Is your little one off to a full day of school? Will they be eating lunch at her new school? Here are some tips to make lunchtime predictable and successful for your child.
Why Your Child Loves Stories With Animals: Unpacking the "Child in a Fur Coat" Concept
Have you ever noticed that the characters in your child’s favorite shows and books are animals? There is a good reason for that (And no, it’s not just because kids love cute animals!)
Best Kids' Lunchboxes for Back to School: Side-by-Side Comparison
A side by side comparison of our favorite lunch boxes for back to school
Effective Communication: 4 Things to Say When Your Child Doesn't Get Their Way
Effective communication with your child is crucial for their growth and development. When your child doesn't get their way, it can be challenging to navigate the situation without causing a meltdown. In this blog post, I’ll cover four things you can say to your child to help them understand their feelings and find a solution that works for everyone.
6 Reasons to Start Playing More Board Games as a Family
Looking for some new board games to play as a family?
Parenting Self-Doubt: It's Normal, It's Okay, and Here's How to Navigate It
If you're a parent feeling overwhelmed with self-doubt, you're not alone. It's a normal part of the journey, and there are strategies to help navigate it. Discover how to identify and challenge your negative thoughts, build your confidence, and become the parent you want to be.
Handling 'That's Not Fair!' Moments: Effective Parenting Strategies
Is “That’s not fair!” a common theme in your house? Read this.
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.