Let’s SNAP back to the moment

Finding Calm Beyond the Screen

If I’m being honest, there have been days when screens felt like the easiest answer.

After school tiredness. Busy mornings. Hair-washing evenings when everyone’s patience is already running low. I know how quickly “just one episode” can turn into many and how hard it can be to pull children away once they’re hooked.

That’s exactly why I wanted something different.

At CurlyEllie, everything we create comes from real life with real children and SNAP is no different. I wanted a screen-free game for kids that felt easy, familiar, and genuinely fun, without adding more noise or overstimulation to our day.

Why I Created SNAP

I wanted a game that:

• Didn’t involve a screen

• Didn’t need batteries or apps

• Didn’t feel like hard work at the end of a long day

Just something we could sit down and play together, even for ten minutes,  and actually be present.

SNAP became that game for us.

Two Ways We Play, Depending on the Day

Because some days are loud and energetic…
And some days really need calm.

1. SNAP :  For Giggles, Energy & Together Time

This is the version we play when everyone still has energy to burn.

It’s quick, it’s fun, and it pulls everyone in, even the ones who were just asking for a screen.

How we play SNAP at home:

• We deal the cards

• Take turns turning one over

• When two match, we shout “SNAP!” (usually very loudly!)

• Laughter guaranteed

Short games work best, especially with younger children.

2. Pairs : For Calm, Focus & Winding Down

On quieter evenings, we turn the cards face down and play Pairs instead.

This gentle memory game has become part of our wind-down routine, especially on busy days when little minds need help slowing down.

• It’s calm.
• It’s focused.
• And there’s no rush to finish.

Sometimes we play together. Sometimes a child plays on their own but usually, I play on my own. All are perfect.

What I’ve Noticed Since Playing More Screen-Free Games

• Bedtimes feel calmer

• Concentration improves

• There’s more patience (for curls and everything else)

• And those small moments of connection really do add up

It’s not about banning screens. Its more about creating alternatives that children actually want to choose.

SNAP Back to What Matters

The moments I treasure most aren’t the big ones. They’re the quiet games at the table, the giggles over a matching card, the calm before bedtime.

SNAP helps us create more of those moments and I hope it does the same for you.

From one mum to another 💛
— Ellie’s Mum

 

Perfect for:

• Families trying to reduce screen time

• Calm, screen-free kids games

• After-school and bedtime routines

• CurlyEllie families looking for connection beyond the curls