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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8 Kid-Friendly Tips for Stress-Free Thanksgiving Hosting
Hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be a daunting task, especially when you have little ones to consider. But with some creative planning, you can make the holiday enjoyable for guests of all ages, including YOU!
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!)
Halloween Rice Krispie Treats Simplified
Simple spooky treats for Halloween. Tips on how to decorate without the fuss.
5 Ways to Enhance Your Child's Decision-Making Skills
Children learn how to make decisions by making decisions, not by being told what to do. Click to learn why decision-making skills matter for your child.
5 ways play helps children develop a strong sense of self
Free play is a crucial aspect of childhood that significantly contributes to a child's development of a strong sense of self. Plus, it’s free! And pretty low-lift for us busy parents.
Here they come… I saw one, and then, like an avalanche, my inbox flooded.
when does school even start/ button fly jeans and a pee your pants moment/ /the best canvas kicks for your littles/ our 2024 BTS roundup/ what to do instead of teaching the ABCs
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.
Introducing Toddlers to Chores: 5 Tips for a Smooth Start
Starting chores early with toddlers can instill a sense of responsibility and help them develop essential life skills. Click here for three tips to introduce chores to toddlers effectively.
The Magic of "Alone Dates": The Essential Bonding Time Every Child Needs
Being together as a family is a beautiful mosaic of laughter, chaos, messiness, and even occasional bickering. But sometimes, amidst the shared moments, the individuality of each child needs to shine.
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.
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.