We built Speel because we know the feeling of reaching for a phone — and wishing there was something better.

Speel began in the middle of those small, everyday moments that quietly add up. We're Anton and Monique, parents of two, and like so many others, we've been there, on our way to our holiday or sitting at a restaurant, and trying to keep little ones entertained, feeling the tension build as the minutes stretch on. Eventually, the screen comes out. It works. It brings a sense of calm. But deep down, it never quite felt like the solution we really wanted.

Over time, we started noticing how easily it became the default. Not just for us, but for families everywhere. And while screens have their place, we couldn't ignore what we were seeing and learning. Research continues to highlight how too much screen time can affect attention, sleep, and emotional regulation, and how it may be linked to increased anxiety and attention-related challenges in children. It made us pause and ask ourselves: what are we replacing when we reach for a screen? Creativity, connection, imagination — the very things we want more of for our children.

So we created Speel. Something simple, thoughtful, and made for real life. A way to bring back calm without the screen. A way to keep little hands busy and little minds engaged, whether you're out for dinner, on a flight, or in the car. Speel isn't about being perfect as parents — it's about having a better option when you need one. Less stress, more connection, and space for children to play, learn, and just be children.