Find out what Mumsnet users have to say about Mindful Monsters’ family activity packs

[EllieMumsnet]

This is the feedback thread for the Mumsnet users who tried out the first 3 month’s worth of Mindful Monsters’ family activity packs which help promote mindfulness for children. This was open to all UK MNers who have at least one child aged 3-7.

Here’s some more information on Mindful Monsters and what they have to say: “Mindful Monsters is a series of fun, family activity cards, which come with all the benefits of mindfulness – helping children to be more resilient, focused, positive, creative and kind. Each month, you will receive seven exciting family activity cards inspired by mindfulness straight to your door. You’ll find activities that can create belly-busting laughter or diffuse tearful tantrums and turn potential meltdown triggers – like getting ready for school or going to bed – into magic moments together. And, best of all, each activity takes as little or as long as you like and can fit into the busiest of days.

On top of this, Mindful Monsters supports Scope. By subscribing to Mindful Monsters for just £7.50 a month you’ll be supporting parents to give their disabled children the best start in life – it’s a win/win. There are 84 cards to collect in total, over 12 months. And once your collection is complete, we hope you will continue to support disabled people and their families through your ongoing donation to Scope.”

Testers please answer the following questions:
- Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?
- What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?
- Is there anything you think could be improved?
- If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?
- Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member?

Selected testers will be required to leave feedback on this thread and fill in a short survey. All testers that do will be entered into a prize draw where 3 MNers will win a £100 voucher each of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck
MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs Apply

[MESSING2]

-Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?

Yes - DD (not normally a morning person) pinned the 'Morning Moments' up by her bed and followed the instructions daily as part of her routine.
The activity cards were kept on the dining table to dip into and always elicited smiles and giggling while doing them.

-What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?

DD liked the monsters with different personalities. I liked the simplicity of it - no bother to use, and you can dip in to it as little or often as you like.

-Is there anything you think could be improved?

Not really!

-If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?

Cuddly toy or other doll of the monsters. Or perhaps an app to use when out and about rather than carrying the cards around.

-Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member?

Yes, I would. It was easy to use and DD enjoyed it.

[Eminybob]

• Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how? - not really, he enjoyed the activities but I didn’t feel there was enough guidance on how to use them to impact behaviour
  

• What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product? - the characters are engaging and the activities are fun.
  

• Is there anything you think could be improved? - more guidance about how to best use the cards to make a positive impact
  

• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be? - a board game or similar
  

• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member? - Probably but not at the price

[Cuzcospoison]

• Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour?
  

If so, how?

Yes, a little - my son had actively asked to ‘play’ mindful monsters. He is a child who bores easily, and the cards have helped him to channel his active imagination into little activities that he can do while I’m busy with the baby or with housework/cooking etc.

• What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?
  

The activities were lovely, and I liked the fact that there were different types for different times of day.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?
  

It might be nice to include a little story book with the intro pack, to get children invested in the different characters.

• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?
  

An app.

• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member?
  

Yes!

[JanuarySun]

Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?

It helped with feeling bored and grumpy. I got the cards out and they were excited to try them. They helped my anxious 6 year old calm down.

• What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?

I liked the activities

• Is there anything you think could be improved?

I really don't think it works as a subscription product. I really like the activities and, if I could, I would buy a full pack of cards. However it just isn't exciting enough to look forward to each month and is very expensive for what it is.

• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?

Pack of cards to buy separately. The monsters might be quite cute as soft toys.

• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member?

Not in this format

[MynameisJune]

Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?

Yes definitely. DD has been having nightmares, whereas previously she has been struggling to deal with them without a lot of crying/upset, thanks to the cards she now blows them away. We left the cards on the coffee table and she could help herself and choose things she wanted to do. As she can’t read yet she recognised different activities from the monsters

• What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?
  

The simplicity of the activities, children can do them together, alone or with a parent.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?
  

A simple guide on how to most effectively use the cards.

• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?
  

A travel holder for the cards so they can be taken out of the house and all kept together. An app would be okay but it encourages screen time which can be detriment to some children’s behaviour.

• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member? Yes absolutely

[Nomummyonlyzuul]

-Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?
Dd did go through the cards and sort them into categories, had a go at some of the activities but they didn't really hold her attention as much as I hoped(she is currently waiting on an assessment for add though, very short attention span). She does get them out now and again so we shall persevere and hopefully over time they may help more.

-What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?
I liked the design of the monsters and the creativity of some of the activities.

-Is there anything you think could be improved?
As mentioned by previous posters, it's not very good value for money/you don't get much really. I do think the design of the monsters is good though.

-If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?
Maybe a stationary range would go down well? Or worry doll type soft toys of the monsters that children could use along with the cards?

-Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member?
Probably not at this price to be honest, I don't know many people that would subscribe unfortunately.

[MerryTwinkletoes]

Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?

Not massively tbh, i struggled to get ds interested enough to properly engage and get the most out of it. He enjoyed a couple of the little activities but didn't really buy into it.
- What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?

Some of the activities are nice fillers when you need something for 5 minutes (we particularly enjoyed the ninja one)
- Is there anything you think could be improved?

Don't feel it works as a subscription as not enough to it and not enough explanation. A one off purchase would be more tempting with a proper back story and more activities.
- If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?
Board game with stops to do activities?

- Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member? Not as is I'm afraid!

[LoudestRoar]

• Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?

It kept ds amused for the duration of the tasks, but didn't really have any effect on his behaviour as such..

• What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product? The range of activities was really good, I liked that it covered different topics and areas.
• Is there anything you think could be improved? A digital version would be fab, as ds has a younger brother who enjoyed emptying the cards everywhere :-)
• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?As above an app, or a toy maybe, for instance an anxiety monster they can take with them to make them feel more secure.
• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member? Yes, I would.

[Dizzywizz]

• Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?
  

I did use one to diffuse a temper tantrum, and it worked.

• What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?
  

The children were excited to open the first one and read through it

• Is there anything you think could be improved?
  

£7.50 a month seems an awful lot for this product, which is not much different from something I could read online for free.

• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?
  

Perhaps a small game, similar in size/price to the ones Orchard Games do

• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member?
  

No, the children were interested in the first pack but not in the other 2. They haven’t returned to it through choice, only when I have encouraged it.

[blardyfeck]

• Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?

Sorry to be negative but I have to be honest about the product. Unfortunately they didn't engage my children at all. When we received them, they were interested in opening up the boxes and reading the cards but after that, they weren't particularly bothered about them. I think they thought the design was a bit babyish for them and we all wondered how to use them.

• What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?

I really like the idea of them, mindfulness is something I believe in. The designs were cute.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?

One of the problems was that there wasn't really any guidance on how to use them. I found it didn't really work to get them out during a particularly challenging moment.

• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?

Possibly an app may be of more interest to older children

• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member?

Possibly for younger children but it isn't particularly cheap as a subscription.

[misslj86]

Firstly thank you for picking us to test the mindful monster packs, my 4 year old is currently being assessed for autism and struggles with her emotions a lot, she was so excited to receive her parcel & enjoyed making the box up to store the cards, we used spread the cards & let her pick one at a time to use them, she loved taking part in the activities & really enjoyed it, we use them as a distraction too when she’s about to have a meltdown so definitely had a positive effect on her behaviour as worked so well to distract her & keep her entertained. We use them most days. I loved the worry bear card where they said to tell your worries to a toy to take them away as she’s been worrying about starting reception, Paris loves the card that asks you to do starjumps & feel your heartbeat so even got her more interested in exercising too as she always wants to pick that one, the stickers are a lovely addition too. I don’t think they need improving, one thing which would be a great additional item would be an app I think or maybe a YouTube channel. I will definitely be recommending them to friends & family x

[Raisingbabylg]

Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how? She was very interested in looking at the cards and some of the activities. I think as she's only 4 she's still a little young for some of it. I think there were some nice cards that worked in my school setting for 5-6 year olds though.
- What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product? I liked the cards and the ideas. I liked that it covered lots of different areas of PSHE.
- Is there anything you think could be improved? I think the price is a bit steep. Personally I would prefer to pay for the cards up front rather than on a subscription. I'd then pay for extension packs if necessary.
- If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be? I'd like more activities for a school setting as I think these would be a valued tool.
- Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member? I would if I felt they had children that would benefit from it.

[JohnWolfenstein]

• Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?

No I don't think they did. I'm not sure how the cards are related to mindfulness, they are simply a bundle of activity cards which are the sort of things we do regularly with our dds anyway. I also think they were a bit young for my 7 year old.

• What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product? The dds liked the idea of choosing activities from a pack of cards.
• Is there anything you think could be improved? Advice on how to use the cards to diffuse difficult situations. More actual mindfulness rather than just normal everyday activities like crafts or baking.
• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be? Something aimed at slightly older children.
• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member? No I don't think so.

[eastmidswarwicknightnanny]

Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?

NO significant change in behaviour

-What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?

Easy to use for wide age range and children recognised them from TV adverts

-Is there anything you think could be improved?

Packaging could be more appealing looked like a freebie you pick up from an event stand

-If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?

Useable strategies for managing anxiety on day to day basis. Stress toys.

-Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member

Yes if came up in conversation

[NicHunters]

• Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?

They were a good distraction at the time but didn't work to stop a meltdown.

• What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?

They were certainly appealing to my daughter's and they loved looking through and picking one each so certainly child friendly.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?

They would not be something they would look forward to receiving, in my opinion, as there wasn't much to each pack so having something else with them would be better.

• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?

I think maybe having a 'worry' monster toy would be nice and would carry on the theme.

• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member?

I think they are a good idea but a little expensive for what you get each month but I would recommend them.

[JeremyCorbynsCoat]

- Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?

Yes, particularly the worry monster card. We have noticed a decrease in bad dreams and a lot more 'opening up' about worries and fears.

- What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?

Again, the ability to open up topics that otherwise might be difficult for children to discuss. Also positive reinforcement, for example thinking about how we have helped today, etc.
- Is there anything you think could be improved?

Slightly more sturdy holder for the cards. We found that it got damaged quite easily.

- If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?

Definitely soft toys to bring the different monsters to life a bit more, especially for younger children like DS. Also perhaps a journal that children can fill in themselves/with help from a parent that encourages them to record positive things done that day.

- Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member?

Absolutely

[EsmeeMerlin]

Did you think mindful monsters activities positively impacted your child’s behaviour?

I think my son spoke more about his feelings but no impact on his behaviour and actually during a meltdown or a tantrum, he would not have the patience for the activities. I saw them more for bonding and communication between parent and child and getting children to discuss feelings and being kind to one another rather than connected to behaviour and actually there was no guidance on how to use the cards when dealing with perhaps challenging behaviour.

What did you like most about the product mindful monsters?
I liked there were different categories of activities, the activities being portable and able to do as and when you wanted for as long as you want and they encouraged communication between myself and my child.

Is there anything you think could be improved?

I would like to see the cards online as well in case you lost or had damaged cards. The box the cards can be stored in was flimsy. Also the information booklet was not very detailed I felt, and included nothing that could not be found on the website. I would have liked more information on mindfulness for children and how the benefits of the different activities in relation to mindfulness. As it was I borrowed a book from the library and it gave more information and more activities for mindfulness for children. I also feel the price is a bit steep, I know it’s a donation to a valuable charity but I could not afford it. I would rather buy for the cards upfront.

If mindful monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?

A book focussed on mindfulness for children. Also perhaps something that could be used by schools/children’s centres. I work within children’s centres and mindfulness for children is now something we discuss and are looking into. Also perhaps a stress/anxiety toy.

Would you recommend friends/family to mindful monsters?

I did actually show parents during a parenting class as an example of some mindfulness activities for children rather than a recommendation. However it is expensive for a subscription service and I do not know if it is worth it when there are other sources of mindfulness for children including free ones and many other subscription products for children.

[RedKites]

• Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?
  

Both my children liked the cards - liked looking at them, reading them and even sorting them. However, I don't think it made any difference to behaviour. I wonder whether they would work better in the situation where there is one particular thing that's causing issues, e.g. bedtime or getting ready for school, where you could preempt the problem by using the cards? DS2 is very easygoing 95% of the time, but that other 5% is very unpredictable. By the time I could have thought to use the cards to prevent a problem, the problem has already happened!

• What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?
  

They were colourful and engaging. I liked the look of them, and more importantly my children did!

• Is there anything you think could be improved?
  

Nothing particularly.

• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?
  

Maybe a book of stories?

• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member?
  

I think the packs looked great. If a friend was considering trying them, I would definitely encourage them to give it a go. However, if asked, I'd have to say that they wouldn't necessarily help with behaviour - but still a nice thing to share together.

[MissMoan]

• Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?

Although the eldest was able to describe feelings and emotions, it didn't really affect her behaviour.

• What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?

The characters were colourful and engaging, the colours appealed to the children, and the aim is positive.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?

There seemed to be a lack of guidance and understanding of what to do. The price seems expensive.

• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?

An app or interactive game, or progress chart of some sort.

• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member?

Possibly

[Blazedout]

-Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?
Unfortunately my ds didn't engage at all. His behaviour isn't too bad but during a meltdown/tantrum he wouldn't even contemplate looking at or discussing the cards.

• What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?
  

They were very colourful and engaging for the older dcs (8 years plus)

• Is there anything you think could be improved?
  

a guide on how they can be used and the different activities. I think the age range should be higher. My 3 year old tested these but wasn't interested, however my 8 year old loved them.

• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?
  

An app with interactive games. Also soft toys and key rings so children can attach them to their school bags etc.

• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member?
  

At this time no, I think it is expensive for what it is.

[lavenderlove]

• Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?

I have been using the cards for around 3-4 weeks now with my 6 year old son. He was suffering with some anxious feelings that came out of nowhere. The cards have really helped him. We do a few of them every night before he goes to sleep and they really calm him and get him in a positive frame of mind to go to sleep.

• What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product? I love that there is a variety of cards such as ones for relaxation, concentration, activity etc. They suit a variety of situations.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?

No we really enjoy the cards.

• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?

I think an activity pack where children could write their answers down, or maybe a sticker book where they could plan their morning/ bedtime routine using stickers with the help of the cards. Also, my sons favourite card is the worry monster one where he can tell his "worry monster" (teddy) all his concerns and worries from the day and for the day ahead. So maybe a worry monster teddy that comes with the cards would be good.

• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member?

Yes definitely. They have really helped my son and he loves doing the cards as part of his bedtime routine.

[lilyboleyn]

My little girl enjoyed spending time with me but some of the activities were a little hard for her. My year one class were a better age for it, I think, and the quiet time together helped them to be more settled later on in the afternoon.
I like the colours, the pictures, the variety of the activities.
More cards in a pack, or perhaps some hands-on activities with resources would improve it.
Little collectible monster figures, or stories that encourage mindfulness, or short dvd of the monsters doing things the kids can copy.
I would recommend it but if I wasn’t personally interested in supporting Scope, I wouldn’t buy them at this price. If it was a charity very close to my heart I would probably be more willing to subscribe, but it would almost be worth paying slightly more and getting a bigger, more hands-on pack to make it worthwhile.

[Ratbagratty]

• Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?
  

No, she was too young (3) to really understand what they were for, she didnt enjoy some of the activites but none really changed her behaviour.

• What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?
  

I liked being give short, achievable tasks to focus on. Some were beyond a three year old! I took two cards (relax) to use as they fit in with a Brownie night activity and they were very well received. These two same cards my 3yr old did not understand the Zzzzzz card, but loved (as dd my 1yr old) the Rocket Power but she just zoomed about instead of relaxing but it was fun!

• Is there anything you think could be improved?
  

More instuctions for parents of how to best use the cards and a nice way to introduce the monsters to the children, eg a story with the colouring book.

• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?
  

I think they need to be tailored into two age ranges as my DD really stuggled with some concepts so it would be a waste of money at present on her.

• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member?
  

yes but to older than 4 year olds and I think they are a bit pricey especially with other monthly sub packs being around £5.

[Deadpool2]

• Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?
  

Both my kids really enjoy using the cards - was quite surprised in fact. We have them on our dining room table and they pick one or two after school. My eldest child who is over 7 enjoys them too especially during SATs week!

• What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?
  

Simple design of the cards and monsters make them endearing and their different characteristics are good.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?
  

Not sure if the cards could be smaller

• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?
  

Would definitely prefer an accompanying app to use alongside the physical cards or integrate the cards with AR tech.

• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member? Yes

[UnaOfStormhold]

• Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?
  

Not really. The activities seemed a bit old for my 4yo who was more interested in sorting the cards by colour than doing what was on them. Sometimes he got more involved but it was a bit patchy.

• What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?
  

Colourful, some great activities (finger safari was fun).

• Is there anything you think could be improved?
  

I didn't find it clear how we were meant to use them - getting so many at once (which I realise most people wouldn't) felt a bit much. The tickling activity wasn't good - tickling is the opposite of relaxing for some people (including me and my son!) Indeed most of the relaxation ones turned into silly games rather than being genuinely relaxing.

• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?
  

An introductory set suitable for smaller children? Reading comments above, the board game and story book are both really good ideas too.

• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member?
  

Probably someone with an older child.