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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Your Ultimate Checklist: How to Prepare for Kid-Friendly Travel
Traveling with kids? This post is for you.
How Ten Minutes Can Impact Your Child’s Whole Day
What if I told you that there was a SMALL thing you could do right now that would make a MASSIVE difference in how the day goes for your child and you?
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.
The Secret Reason Toddlers Want the Same Book Read Over...and Over...and Over Again
If you're a parent of a toddler, you've likely experienced your little one insisting you read the same book constantly. Click here to find out why thats a GOOD thing!
Waiting in Line with Kids? Try These 11 Fun Games
We've all been there - stuck in a seemingly endless line at the grocery store, bank, or doctor's office with restless kids in tow. Instead of resorting to screens or melting down from boredom, try engaging your little ones with these simple, on-the-spot games.
Fostering Resilience: Helping Kids Cope with Disappointment
Instead of fixing your child’s feelings, help them find ways to cope with what they’re experiencing.
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.
2024 Easter Gift Guide
Discover the perfect Easter gifts for every bunny on your list! From sweet treats to thoughtful tokens, our gift guide has you covered.
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 Declining Play Can Benefit Your Child (and You)
How to Set Limits and Encourage Independent Play with Your Child
Helping Your Child Cope with Waiting: Strategies and Book Ideas
It is so hard to wait. Read this for tips.
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!
Stickers and Tape Activity
This is an activity that can be adapted for all ages. Best part? No mess!
Books and Simple Activities to Help Sick Kids Feel Better
Are your kids feeling a little under the weather?
Less Screen, More Play: Practical Tips to Minimize Kids' Screen Time
Screen time in and of itself is not the problem. The problem develops when screen time is used as a default instead of a tool. Using screen time as a tool in parenting is not only possible, but beneficial. Drop the guilt and make screens work for you and not against you!
Handling Your Child's Big Feelings and Comforting Books for Kids
Practical tips for managing big emotions and books to help your children process hard feelings.
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.