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Mindful Powers
By Christy Matte,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Nurturing meditation app with timer best without ads.
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Mindful Powers
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Based on 1 parent review
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Pass
Meets our minimum requirements for privacy and security practices.
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Does not meet our recommendations for privacy and security practices.
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Does not have a privacy policy and should not be used.
Privacy Rating
Our expert evaluators create our privacy ratings. The ratings are designed to help you understand how apps use your data for commercial purposes.
Pass
Meets our minimum requirements for privacy and security practices.
Warning
Does not meet our recommendations for privacy and security practices.
Fail
Does not have a privacy policy and should not be used.
What’s It About?
MINDFUL POWERS invites kids on a journey to be more mindful through a series of "stories," which are meditations. Kids begin with an introduction to mindfulness, where they also meet their Flibbertigibbet, a sea creature who is there to help kids stay focused. The Flibbertigibbet can become stressed out, and it becomes a dark, spiky ball. Kids smooth out the Flibbertigibbet by gently rubbing it to smooth it out. This is intended to help calm kids and keep them focused. They can also set a "Focus Timer" to use while studying, practicing an instrument, taking a time out, etc. The timer counts down as the Flibbertigibbet keeps watch. If kids try to use the device while the time is active, the Flibbertigibbet gets stressed and upset. Over time, kids unlock new stories, all of which are narrated with a youthful voice. The topics include breathing, being aware of feelings, staying focused on the present, and being kind to friends and family.
Is It Any Good?
This is a great meditation tool specifically for kids who need help slowing down, focusing, and managing their emotions. The use of a youthful voice makes it easier for kids to connect to, and the practice of smoothing out the Flibbertigibbet requires kids to both slow down (it doesn't like quick motions) and pay attention. Because Mindful Powers is geared toward kids, the meditations are relevant with appropriate language, but they can become long-winded and lofty on occasion. The introduction, in particular, seems quite long and may be challenging for kids who are new to the practice of meditation. The progressive nature of the stories (each one must be unlocked by completing those before it) keeps things on track for more goal-oriented kids as opposed to just having a collection of meditations to pick and choose from right away. The app mentions plugging in while using the focus timer, and kids will need a reminder there to keep from draining device batteries. It's a cute meditative experience that will likely appeal to kids who are more naturally nurturing, but it's going to do best with some adult support to discuss and reinforce some of the concepts that arise.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about mindfulness. What is it? How can you practice mindfulness as you move throughout your day? How can Mindful Powers help?
Do you think this is a good app for learning? Why, or why not? What can you learn?
App Details
- Devices: iPhone , iPod Touch , iPad
- Skills: Self-Direction : personal growth, self-reflection, Emotional Development : handling stress, identifying emotions, labeling feelings, Health & Fitness : meditation
- Pricing structure: Free to try, Paid (Free to try; $4.99 for the full app.)
- Release date: October 4, 2018
- Category: Lifestyle
- Publisher: Smashing Ideas, Inc
- Version: 1.0.13
- Minimum software requirements: iOS 9.0 or later
- Last updated: October 24, 2018
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