FitBit Ace - Relax Feature is a must

[SunsetRunner]

This week, my 8 year old participated in an important all-day assessment. Leading up to the big day, she was experiencing symptoms of anxiety. We used my FitBit Charge 2 to help her monitor her heart rate and put her in charge of bringing that number down. On the day of the assessment, we let her wear the Charge 2 and taught her to use the relaxation breathing function on her own. It was an invaluable tool and gave her the confidence she needed to take on a scary day. 

I am thrilled to see that FitBit Ace will soon be released but sad to see that the relaxation function isn’t part of that device. Please add it!!! Today’s kids are more anxious than any previous generation and most of them already know the benefits of mindful breathing. 

Another optional function worth adding is a tool for add that would compete with the revibe device that is becoming so popular for kids that have teouble staying on-task. 

Adding those two features to the FitBit Ace would make it indispensable!

Moderator edit: format

[htown1971]

For kids to be healthy they need to be mentally healthy as well.  It is just as important as physical health.  I am very surprised that Fitbit doesn't get this.  It is so important for kids to start young with the breathing exercises, especially now with all of the stress of Covid and home schooling.  Please add this to the kids watches.  I bought my 8 year old daughter a Fitbit Ace 2 and was so disappointed to find out that there is no option for breathing exercises.

[SunsetRunner]

It has been three years since my original post. I’m disappointed that FitBit hasn’t chosen to add the feature to subsequent Ace devices. But I’m more disappointed that I haven’t actually seen any evidence that my request has been properly understood. There was ONE person that seemed to get it and pointed out that the Ace might be limited because it lacks a button and only scrolls through stats with a tap function. Without a button, there’s no way to trigger a guided breathing session. That was the only response I have seen in THREE years that didn’t set up the straw man argument about heart rate sensing. And, unless I’m navigating the site wrong, I think my post has actually gradually morphed into a request for heart rate tracking and sleep tracking? 

I gave up on this when the Charge 3 came out. I upgraded and gave the Charge 2 to my daughter. After upgrading to the Charge 4, both my kids have the hand-me-down Charge 3s. I can’t believe I have given an 8yo a $250 fitness tracker but it is still the best available option for the functions I want for them. All through the pandemic they have used the devices to set alarms for their schoolwork and manage their day. It has been a huge blessing. I just wish they made a less expensive option designed for kids. 

But, hey, first world problems, right?