About Tiny Pauses

Why we built this

We kept looking for something that would help kids actually slow down.

Not a full meditation practice. Not journaling. Not a daily commitment. Just a genuine moment to pause and reset -- something short enough to actually do, simple enough to not feel like homework.

Everything we found was either too much, or designed for a completely different age group. Kids 9-12 are in a funny in-between zone -- too old for little-kid apps, not quite ready for adult wellness tools. Nobody was really building for them.

So we did.

Tiny Pauses is two minutes. One prompt. One small action. No writing, no talking, no streaks, no guilt. Just a tiny pause -- and then back to your day.

Brain Break

Brain Break mode came from watching what actually helps kids regulate when things feel like too much -- movement and pressure before breath work. It turns out this closely mirrors what occupational therapists have known for years about somatic regulation. Kids helped design it. The product is better for it.

Who it's for

Tiny Pauses is designed for kids 9-12. It's also genuinely useful for adults -- parents, teachers, anyone who needs permission to take two minutes for themselves without it being a whole thing.

We built two paths through the app on purpose. Kids get a warm, simple experience designed around their world. Adults get the same core experience with framing that respects that they're not a child.

What we believe

We believe the best thing a mindfulness tool can do is get out of your way.

No streaks. No shame. No next video autoplay. No algorithm deciding what you need. You take a tiny pause, you notice how you feel, and you go back to your life. The app is designed to end.

We will never show ads. We will never sell data. We will never use engagement mechanics that exploit anxiety or guilt. That's not a policy -- it's just the only version of this product that makes sense to build.

Who made it

Tiny Pauses is built and maintained by Dave Masters at Quiet Branches Labs, a small product studio based in New York.

Questions, feedback, or just want to say hi -- hello@tinypauses.com