Headspace: Mindful Meditation

App review by Dana Anderson, Common Sense Media
Headspace: Meditation and Sleep Poster Image

Common Sense says

age 8+

Practical meditation for adults and kids; hefty price.

iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android Free to try, Free Health & Fitness
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Parents say

age 9+

Based on 5 reviews

Kids say

age 6+

Based on 6 reviews

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A Lot or a Little?

The parents' guide to what's in this app.

What Parents Need to Know

Parents need to know that Headspace: Mindful Meditation is a meditation app for adults and kids. The app's beginner course is free, but the other content requires a paid subscription. The meditations created for kids include very brief, one- to nine-minute meditations, while longer meditations are available for teens and adults. Created by a former Buddhist monk, this app presents meditation in very straightforward ways and for specific circumstances, including walking, sleeping, kindness, and focus. It also includes reminders, rewards, and ways to connect with friends for motivation. It's compatible with the Apple Health app and Apple Watch. Though there's a free trial, you can't see much without a subscription, which is $12.99/month. Read the app's privacy policy to find out about the types of information collected and shared.

Community Reviews

jwslc
jwslc Adult
November 9, 2019
age 14+

Great app - but expensive with horrible customer service

Used the app for over two years - in the middle of my renewed subscription ($100 annual) when the app stated that I didn't have a valid subscription. Two weeks of emails and requests with no response. The company has no phone support and doesn't answer emails There are other apps that do the same thing for less money or free.
leahb711
leahb711 Adult
April 22, 2019
age 9+

Worth a try

I did not pay the extra money for this app, but I think It would def be worth it. The meditation exercises are relaxing and step by step tell you what to do.

This title has:

Easy to play/use
See all 5 parent reviews

What’s It About?

To use HEADSPACE: MINDFUL MEDITATION, first create an account (using Facebook, Spotify, or email), and then watch the tutorial. The app uses common meditation techniques -- such as body scans, becoming aware of environmental sounds, breath awareness, breath counting, and more -- to establish a serene, aware space for the mind to rest. Watch the promos about the other meditation options, including the kids' meditations, which are separated into age groups: 5 and under, 6 to 8, and 9 to 12. If you choose to unlock the rest of the content, sign up for the 30-day free trial (which will auto-renew unless canceled). Set reminders, share with friends, and use other settings to customize the experience.

Is It Any Good?

This app makes meditation accessible, modern, and practical. From suggestions on how to sit while meditating to specific sessions for everyday moments -- getting out of bed, walking, eating -- Headspace: Mindful Meditation takes a calm, relaxed approach to bringing calm relaxation into the lives of adults and kids. That said, for some younger kids who need visual cues, this app may not be as effective as other meditation or breathing apps that use images to slow down breathing, focus the eyes, and calm kids. Also, the one-minute meditations for kids go by so quickly that they may lose any usefulness. The free, introductory 10-minute sessions may be a good way to test whether you and your kid like the app's methods enough to purchase a subscription; however, the kid-focused meditations are somewhat different from the free intro meditations. Of course, how effective it is will depend solely on if and how regularly users take the time to sit and listen. The app's creator suggests finding a specific time and place to use the app daily and setting the in-app reminders to improve chances you'll create a habit. Also, since the price is prohibitive to many, parents could use the app for a month or two and then try to keep the habit going without the subscription.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • Families can talk about why a daily meditation practice can be valuable. Ask your kid: When do you feel like you could use some "headspace?" After school? Before homework? At bedtime, when thoughts may be swirling? Does Headspace: Mindful Meditation help?

  • The app encourages kids and parents to meditate together. Can meditation become a regular family activity?

  • Talk about situations where "chill skills" can be especially valuable. When is it a good idea to take a deep breath before doing anything? Do you think meditating regularly would help you feel calmer?

App Details

Our Editors Recommend

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