School, homework, extracurriculars, testing, and sports can be extremely stressful and overwhelming for kids in even the best of times. But children who struggle with managing their emotions and anxieties may need a little extra help. Thankfully, they have this free tool at their fingertips: meditation.
Before you roll your eyes at the thought of your bouncing second grader staying still for more than a minute, kids actually may learn how to meditate more easily because they’re very receptive to new concepts. And as we know, practicing meditation helps to process feelings and destress, which is paramount for a child’s mental health.
To demonstrate mindfulness, it often comes down to letting your child choose the right form of meditation for them. Whether it’s nature sounds while lying on a yoga mat or listening to a narrative while staying seated, there’s likely going to be some form of meditation perfect for your child’s individual needs.
To help find the best meditation app for your little one, turn to one of the below options for kids that contain mindfulness activities and guided meditations to help them regulate their emotions, stay calm under pressure, and get to sleep a little easier each night.
Related: 20+ Toys, Games, and Stuffed Plushies That Help Kids Identify and Express Feelings
DreamyKid Meditation
Best Kids' Meditation App For Toddlers
DreamyKid Meditation is a subscription-based app for kids 3 and up. It has a number of different meditations that can help with sleeping, calming down, breathing, and more. Although the app does contain one free category, to access its full library, users can purchase a monthly subscription for $10 (or $6 per month if you commit to an annual subscription).
Download the DreamyKid Meditation app here.
Breathe Think Do with Sesame
Smiling Mind
Best Kids' Meditation App For First Graders
Smiling Mind is a free meditation app for people of all ages, but has youth programs for kids 7 and up. The app was developed by psychologists and educators to aid users in keeping their minds healthy through times of stress, pressure, and the challenges of daily life.
Download the Smiling Mind app here.
Calm
Best Kids' Meditation App For Middle Schoolers
Although Calm is an app geared toward adults, it features a number of meditations and sleep stories for kids. Start a seven-day free trial before deciding to become a subscriber for $15 a month, $70 a year, or $400 for life.
Download the Calm app here.
Mindful Powers
Best Kids' Meditation App For Daily Use
The fun and easy-to-use Mindful Powers app was designed to be a part of your child’s daily routine. The free app will help them learn the power of mindfulness through a series of interactive voice-guided sessions, while also developing the skills they need to overcome big emotions, stay calm and relaxed, and to focus.
Download the Mindful Powers app here.
Stop Breathe & Think Kids
Best Kids' Meditation App For Before Bed
With the Stop, Breathe & Think Kids app, kids ages 5 through 10 can learn to check in with how they’re feeling, listen to mindful sleep stories before bed, go on “missions” to do meditation and mindful activities, and more. The app can help them better manage stress, anxiety, and sadness, and aids with both better sleep and calming down when overexcited. Become a kids’ subscriber for $10 a month or $59 a year.
Download the Stop, Breathe & Think Kids app here.
Moshi Twilight Sleep Stories
Sleep Meditations for Kids
Best Kids' Meditation App For Insomnia
Sleep Meditations For Kids is an app designed by yoga and Montessori teacher Christiane Kerr to help kids relax through meditation stories. The deeply relaxing app is available for free and can help to ease your kids’ minds when it comes to stress and anxiety, but can also aid those struggling with sleep issues or insomnia.
Download the Sleep Meditations For Kids app here.
Wellbeyond Meditation For Kids
Meditation For Kids
Best Kids' Meditation App For Stress
With the Meditation For Kids app, children ages 4 and up can follow guided meditations to relax, learn how to stay calm in nerve-wracking and stressful situations, and hone the skills needed to improve their behavior and self-control for only $1.
Download the Meditation For Kids app here.