Notes on screen-free play
Ideas, research and small stories from the team building Belxi.
November 2, 2026
Screens Before Bed: What Sleep Research Actually Says About the 1-Hour Rule
Every parent has their own screen rule for the evening. Here is what 8 countries and the WHO recommend, what sleep studies actually measured, and what families really do.
October 13, 2026
Why Matching Activities to Your Child's Mood Works Better Than a Generic To-Do List
The list hasn't changed. Your child has. Why matching activities to mood and energy works better than a generic to-do list, and a quick way to read the moment.
October 6, 2026
Autumn Activities for Kids Aged 9 to 12: 20 Screen-Free Ideas for Short, Dark, Rainy Days
20 screen-free autumn challenges, experiments and projects for kids aged 9 to 12, mixing indoor ideas for dark evenings with outdoor adventures between showers.
September 23, 2026
Autumn Activities for Kids Aged 3 to 8: 30 Screen-Free Ideas for Short, Dark, Rainy Days
Soon, at 5pm, the light is already fading, it has been drizzling since breakfast, and someone in your house has just announced that there is nothing to do. Here are 30 screen-free ideas for ages 3 to 8.
September 7, 2026
The Nature Effect: What Attention Restoration Theory Says About Kids and Focus
A walk in the park doesn't just burn off energy. According to one of the more rigorously tested ideas in environmental psychology, it gives a tired brain something closer to an actual reset.
August 18, 2026
The Science of Independent Play: How Much Does Your Child Actually Need by Age
There's no single number that fits every child. Here's what the research on independent play actually says — and what to expect at each age.
August 4, 2026
Why Saturdays Feel Harder Than School Days (And What Actually Helps)
School days run themselves. Weekends shouldn't be harder — but they are. Here's the structural reason why, and what parents can actually do about it.
July 21, 2026
Screen Time vs Screen-Free: What the Research Actually Says (And What to Do Monday Morning)
The science on screen time for kids is more nuanced than the headlines suggest. Here's what major health organisations actually say — and one practical question that changes everything.
July 7, 2026
Why Your Child Says "I'm Bored" Even When You Give Them Options
Your child has toys, books, and ideas — and still says they're bored. Here's the psychology behind it, and why personalized activities for kids make all the difference.