BEST SLEEP & MENTAL HEALTH APPS TO HELP KIDS COPE DURING COVID-19 by Lauren Thomas, Slumber Yard Children have had all traditional forms of socialization ripped away thanks to social distancing and quarantine. Schedules have been interrupted, set plans are now thrown in disarray, and socialization opportunities are drastically reduced. Now, more than ever, children need to find that extra security and comfort so they can sleep soundly. With no lack of worry to fill their heads, you can take a proactive stance and transform bedtime into a more fun, relaxing, and soothing time garnering the help of today’s top-rated bedtime tools.
MEDITATION AND MINDFULNESS APPS These are some of the best apps to use for meditation and mindfulness at bedtime.
1. SMILING MIND (FREE) Smiling Mind is a mindfulness app with over 5 million users. It is the work of an Australian not-for-profit created by psychologists and educators, offering specialized programs for home, work and school. It’s completely free with programs for both adults and children to improve stress, sleep, attention and concentration. It features specific areas of focus, such as wellbeing, relationships, performance, sports and even diet for a well-rounded, comprehensive app designed to improve your lifestyle, no matter your age. www.WestCoastFamilies.com
2. MINDFUL POWERS This is an app created specifically for kids - ideally ages 7-10. It uses a holistic approach to social-economical learning in order to improve early and middle childhood development. Developers have created an interactive, play-based version of a child’s diary that places a special focus on emotions and feelings from day to day. Your child will expand skills and knowledge through play while decreasing stress and anxiety – both important benefits in today’s world. Start with a free trial, and then if you like it, it’s $4.99 a month to continue with a 101-story pack.
