“But I’m Bored!” Rethinking Independent Play with Lizzie Assa, M.Ed.

Check out the AI generated transcript on Spotify or Apple Podcasts!

You’re listening to Voices of Your Village, and today we’re diving into something that might just change your day-to-day parenting rhythm: independent play.

If you’ve ever heard, “But I’m boooored…” and felt that mix of annoyance, guilt and overwhelm rise in your chest, this episode is for you. I got to sit down with Lizzie Assa, founder of The Workspace for Children and author of the new book But I’m Bored!: Discover the Power of Independent Play to Raise Confident, Resilient Kids.

This is not a “just send them to the playroom” kind of conversation. Lizzie shares what independent play actually looks like at different ages, why it’s a key ingredient in raising confident, creative humans, and how to build it into your life—even if you feel like there’s no time and your kid never plays alone.

We talk about quiet time, toy rotation, those tiny treasures your kid insists on keeping, and how to shift the energy around play in your home—without needing to overhaul your life.

Alright folks, let’s dive in.

Connect with Lizzie:

Instagram: @TheWorkspaceForChildren

Website:  WorkspaceForChildren.com

Order the book: But I'm Bored!: Discover the Power of Independent Play to Raise Confident, Resilient Kids 

Connect with us:

Instagram and TikTok: @seed.and.sew 

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Order Big Kids, Bigger Feelings now! 

Website: seedandsew.org

Credits:

Host: Alyssa Blask Campbell

Co-host: Rachel Lounder

Production/Editing: Kristin Mork-McVeigh

Graphics: Kayla Kurland-Davis/ Beki Rohrig

Music by: Ruby Adams and  Bensound