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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Build Your Child's Confidence and Executive Function Skills With Paper and Glue
How a simple collage can build executive function/ our favorite collage materials that are probable in your recycle bin/ an easy, no-glue option/ a tip for connection
How to Respond When Others Question Your Child's Play Time
Your child isn't just playing—they're building their brain in ways that matter most. Read this post to learn how to respond when others question this essential part of childhood.
How to Set Up a Simple Outdoor Tinkerspace for Creative Summer Play
Tip on how to start small and keep it simple, along with ideas for materials to include. Create a magical space for your kids to play.
From Chaos to Cooperation: 4 Ways to Get Your Kids to Listen Without Losing Your Mind
Tired of threats and bribes that don't work? Discover four practical strategies to get your children to cooperate without the power struggles. Learn how connecting, respecting their time, involving them in decisions, and seeing things through their eyes can transform your daily parenting struggles into moments of connection.
The 'Manipulative' Child Myth: What Your Child is Really Telling You
Why Your Child's 'Difficult' Behavior Might Be Their Best Attempt to Communicate
Helping Your Young Child Build A Positive Self-Image With Words of Affirmation
Today's blog post discusses the power of words of affirmation in parenting. It emphasizes the importance of recognizing and verbalizing positive qualities in our children and how it can build their self-esteem and self-image.
5-Minute Sensory Fun: How to Make Soap Foam for Indoor Playtime - Keep Kids Engaged and Entertained All Winter Long
Discover the magic of soap foam with this easy recipe and how-to guide. Keep kids of all ages entertained with this versatile and non-messy sensory material. Perfect for indoor playtime during the cold winter months or for a relaxing bathtime experience.
Breaking Free from the "Look, Mommy!" Loop: Building Independent Play Skills
If you have a child who constantly seeks attention and feedback, you might think they’ll never play independently. Try these simple tips…
Homemade Valentine Cards for Kids
A simple way to make those homemade Valentine’s Day cards.
Building Independence Through Collage
Don't let the word "collage" intimidate you - all you need are some scraps, scissors, and glue to start. The results are worth every minute.
Easy and Affordable Valentine's Day Fun for Kids: No-Cook Play Dough and Loose Parts Play
Easy, inexpensive Valentine activity.
Building a Playful Home: 5 Simple Ways to Show Your Child Their Play Matters
If you want to create a home that is filled with play and creativity, the key is to let your child know how much you value the time and effort they spent playing.
Feeling Like a 'Bad Parent'? Here's Why You're Not - and One Simple Trick to Boost Your Kid's Independence
Feeling Like a 'Bad Parent'? Here's Why You're Not - and One Simple Trick to Boost Your Kid's Independence
Mastering Kid Cooperation: Why Threats and Bribes Fail & Effective Strategies That Work
A few reasons our knee-jerk reactions to getting kids to cooperate won’t work, and what to do instead…
How You Praise Your Child Matters...But Not That Much
Praise is getting a bad rap. Let's talk about it.
Forced Family Fun Day: Why I Insist on Together Time Even When My Teens Don't Want
(a glimpse into parenting teens and my go-to resource)
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.