Join the #MomentsThatMatter Campaign.

This summer, we’re inviting parents and carers to join the 5-Minute Play Challenge - a free, 5-day experience designed to help you reconnect with your child in simple, science-backed ways that support their mental and emotional development.

Parenting is hard, and no one gives you a manual. Between work, life, and everything in between, it's easy to feel like you're not doing enough. But here's the good news: even just five minutes of meaningful play and connection a day can have a big impact on your child’s mental health and emotional wellbeing.

That’s why we created the 5-Minute Play Challenge - a simple, free way to support your child’s mental health this summer.

🧡 Count Me In

🧠 The Science Behind It

In the first 8 years of life, your child’s brain is developing faster than at any other time. During this period, safe, loving, and consistent interactions with a parent or caregiver are the most powerful factors in shaping mental wellbeing. Research shows that even a few minutes of positive, face-to-face connection each day can help children develop stronger emotional regulation, lower stress, and build resilience.

When you play, talk, or simply spend focused time with your child - especially off-screen - their brain releases oxytocin, the “bonding hormone,” which helps reduce anxiety and build trust. These moments also help develop their prefrontal cortex - the part of the brain responsible for decision-making, empathy, and emotional control.

You don’t need fancy tools or hours of free time. The science is clear: short, high-quality moments of connection can improve your child’s mental health, boost their confidence, and strengthen your relationship.

That’s why the 5-Minute Play Challenge works - it’s simple, practical, and based on what actually helps children thrive.

✅ Start the 5-Day Challenge

How It Works

We invite parents and carers of children aged 0–8 who want to:

Support their child’s mental wellbeing
Build stronger family bonds
Reduce stress at home
Create more joyful, intentional moments this summer

Get instant access our activity generator designed to support your child’s mental health through short, joyful, daily 5min off-screen activities.

Spark learns about your family’s unique routines, needs, and challenges and then gives you customised 5-minute activities that fit your life.

Try it now

Have your say

🧠 We are listening

Screens have become the default in family life, not because it’s what parents want, but because the alternatives are often overwhelming, impractical, or disconnected from real life. Most parenting tools miss the point: they expect too much from families, ignore daily realities, and fail to support parents in the moments that matter most.

This national initiative is different. It’s about listening and meeting families where they are.

You know your family best.
We want to learn from you.

We're building a national picture of how families spend time together, and how it impacts children's wellbeing. By answering a few short questions, you'll help shape better resources, tools, and support for parents across the UK.

Take the Survey

Meet the Team

We’re a passionate group of educators, parents, designers, and tech builders who believe that small moments of connection can change a child’s life. Play Moments was created as part of an Innovate UK–funded project to explore how families can be better supported in their everyday routines, without screens, guilt, or unrealistic expectations. Our goal is to help parents feel more confident, connected, and equipped to support their child’s mental health, starting with just five minutes a day.