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

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

I was really pleased to be selected as my child has ASD (Diagnosed) and struggles with understanding and recognising emotions, his behaviour is impacted by this. We used the cards, the first two days he was not interested, but on day 3 curiosity got the better of him and we chose a few cards, and talked about the characters, and how they were feeling and what made them feel like that. We talked about the similarities between the character and him, I spoke to the SEN co-ordinator about the cards, and she said they were good, and would complement his SULP and SALT sessions.

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

The colourful diverse characters, then short 'bit size' sessions great for a child with a short attention span, and there are different themes for different moods and times of the day. We particularly like the relaxation.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?

More facial expressions, and more outdoor activities that match the seasons, and celebrations.

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

Stickers please ! My son love to display a sticker for good work and good behaviour.

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

I have used the cards with my sons friends when they came after school, and we loved the creativity cards.
Some family members would love them yes, others no, simply because they have a lot of activities they enjoy - building colouring and trampolining which keeps them busy.

Can I finally add - great concept and great cause.

Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?
DD3 didn't really see the point in the cards. She helped sort through them but it just didn't grab her, despite me trying enthusiastically.

What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?
I liked the design concepts of the monsters.

Is there anything you think could be improved?
It just doesn't work as a subscription model. There isn't enough (content and variety) to justify the price.

If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?
A monthly magazine with a similar price point to a CBeebies style product.

Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member?
I doing know anyone who would pay this much, especially when you could get two magazines with more activities,colouring,stickers and brand recognition.

- Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?
Yes, they were eager to use them so that reduced pestering for screen time or arguing with each other, they also seemed calmer

- What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?
The fact that they worked! The characters and the fact that the cards focused on different things so we could choose what was most appropriate at the time

- Is there anything you think could be improved?
I think that the payment plan is a little disappointing really, it's basically penalising people who can't afford £75 ( a lot of money ) in one go. Maybe it could be a 12 months subscription and you are tied in for that time, but still pay monthly and get the last 2 free. I also think it would be good to add in a 6 month option with one month free, especially if it's able to be paid monthly and be tied in (and the free boxes are the last to be sent so people can't sign up and then cancel payment option)

- If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?
A dvd with the characters talking you through some basic starting points, this could be sent out with the first pack so that everyone gets that to begin with rather than it varying month to month and depending when you sign up. It could maybe explain mindfulness and why it's important to look after our brain as well as our body

- Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member?
I've already recommended it to quite a few people and there are plenty more I plan to recommend it to

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

Yes my son loved following a morning routine with these cards and was a positive way to start the day and whilst waiting for school to start the activity cards filled us all with laughter

-What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?
the monsters have different personalities. I liked the fact it’s simple no bother to use, and you can do as little or as much as you wish

-Is there anything you think could be improved?

No it’s really really amazing

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

A teddy something you can carry with you so every time you saw it it takes you to a mindful moment

-Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family

Yes it’s absolutely perfect in bring up kids confidently and mindfully

Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?
Not really but DD (4) enjoyed trying out the activities.

What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?
I liked the characters and how easy it was to use.

Is there anything you think could be improved?
I thought it would work better as a one-off purchase rather than a subscription service - I wouldn't pay £7.50 a month for it.

If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?
Cuddly toys or a colouring book.

Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member?
Probably, if it was less expensive,

Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how? Unfortunatly, they did not seem to impact my children's behaviour. The cards are colourful but there wasn't enough explanation on how to use them best so my kids were easily distracted and did not show much interest. I love the concept and I think mindfullness is really important but this format did not work.

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

The concept is great but it doesn't work as a subscription. Not exciting enough for them to look forward to the next pack.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?
• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?

1. more information and suggestion on how to use the cards e.g. a board game where the cards are used for effectively and more time is hence spent doing the activities.

2.A one off purchase of all the cards would work better 3.Too pricey for what you get. Maybe something else in the pack other than stickers to make it worth purchasing. cuddly toys to go with the characters would be fantastic. The kids would engage better and i worry friend for the child to have.

• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member? Unfortunately I would not for the reasons outlined above. I feel the concept is great but it doesn't work as it is.

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

Yes, I think so. My eldest was excited to get an activity she hadn't tried before. Sometimes she's get an activity that was hard or confusing, but she still gave it a try.

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

I like how the activities were colour coded and with different Monsters. The kids wanted to get a different colour each day.

• 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?
I think an app with similar content and a little biography of the Monsters would be nice. Also perhaps little cuddly Monsters that the children can choose from?

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

Yes I would. It's got a good variety of activities and allows your child to test themselves in a fun way.

I tested these with DS who is 6; he is a shy, quiet child prone to anxiety but doesn't have specific problem behaviour.

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

He enjoyed the activities but I don't think the affected his behaviour in anyway.

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

The activities were imaginative and fun, generally they didn't require much prep, 'stuff' or tidying up after which was a bonus.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?

There was WAY too much packaging/stuff included. Yes it was all paper or card but it was overwhelming - I couldn't see which bits were important and ended up dumping (recycling) around 50%!

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

A board game would be fab

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

I might do, but I think it would only help behaviour in very specific cases and seems expensive for what it is.

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

Not really as I feel I do most of what was on the cards already but they are great to give other parents ideas who may not naturally think that way.

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

Focused time with my daughter, cards are bright and cheerful that interests children.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?

Maybe more advice on how to use for parents as I think some parents may find that helpful.

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

An app, maybe breathing and relaxation monsters to copy as a family.

• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member? Yes if I felt they would benefit from these.

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

Not really no... Took them a while to get interested in them.

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

I like the idea of the whole product but don't think there is enough cards a month.

• Is there anything you think could be improved? Maybe a few more cards added in to the mix. I don't like that you get random numbers think they do that so you keep getting them.

• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be? Maybe an app with the cards so you can scan them and the monsters come to life.

• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member? I doubt it. Think £7.50 is a bit much for what they are. But I understand its for charity

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

Yes, a little. I was already trying to get my 4 year old to take deep breaths when she was upset or angry etc but she refused to! Ideas like the rocket activity have motivated me to keep trying and given us ideas of how to make it more fun.

I also think the gratitude and compliments suggestions clicked with her and she is saying thank you to me for cooking meals more often, or that my hair looks nice. 🙂

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

The characters (visually and that they have names and characters) and the colours. We both found them appealing. Also the simplicity of it, making mindfulness fun and approachable. She was excited to open each new pack and chose to go back to them herself.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?

As a PP said, I didn't think tickling should be under relaxation. But we have mostly been looking at the cards at bedtime and the parents' guide does say Relaxation covers coming home from school as well. I realise it's for charity, but I think slightly more needs to be included for this price or price needs reducing.

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

A wallet sized (credit card size) card with a few of the main activities on - to be used in supermarket tantrums etc! Or distraction on public transport.

Possibly some puzzle cards: a maze or spot the difference with the characters on.

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

Yes, but I think the price would put some of them off.

Thank you for selecting us to test them!

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

It made my DS stop and think about what he was doing. It also gave him some strategies to start the day positively which he has been using.

What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?

We loved the box to keep all the cards in and the different monsters. The stickers were a big hit too.

Is there anything you think could be improved?

It would be nice if there was something a little bit interactive with each delivery. Something to make? Even it if it a paper fortune teller or something similar that is low cost for the charity, but also keeps the interest alive for the child.

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

An audio mindfulness meditation for the child to log in and listen to each month? A login code could come with the cards each month?

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

Perhaps as a one off thing. But if I knew someone was looking for a charity to donate to, is definitely recommend it.

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

Yes, it enabled me to ask him to stop and think about things and relate them to the cards and activities.

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

The style and length of activities. The fact my child could do them alone without getting bored.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?

Perhaps an app rather than carrying the card around.

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

Toys or a board game.

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

Yes, for focus and mindfulness. It's useful for parents to stop and think at times too!

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

I wouldn't say it affected my son's behaviour, but he did seem to enjoy doing a couple of activities at a time although he seemed a bit reluctant at first.

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

The characters were eye-catching and we liked that there were different categories depending on my son's mood

• Is there anything you think could be improved?

The subscription seems expensive for what it is and although the cards were self-explanatory, I thought there would be some kind of instruction leaflet as to how to approach the content

If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?
An app where the monsters speak to the kids and tell them what to do?

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

Possibly

Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?
Yes, it gave us something positive to do in the time when baby sister was napping. We don't get much one on one time and he is struggling with this, and I struggle to dedicate time to him, usually housework needs doing and I get distracted doing this. So it brought us closer together, he was very excited about the cards and really focused. As a result he seemed more content and calm following the activities.

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

The wide variety of activities on the cards. The fact they were all possible with little/ no resources and didn't put my child out of his comfort zone, he felt confident to attempt all the activities. That there are cards for different scenarios (e.g. Mindfulness at bedtime) but also ones you can do in 5 spare minutes.

I think it's so important to get our young children thinking and talking about their emotions, and things like doing mindful monsters will give them a toolbox for dealing with mental health pressures/difficulties for life. My child has suffered a huge bereavement and it helped us to connect and discuss our feelings.

I also think it's great that so much of the price goes towards charity and that it's clearly shown how much goes where.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?

I think the only thing I could think of is to keep all the activities on the cards, there seemed to be activities on the box and the slightly bigger intro cards. Maybe focus on introducing characters on the box and activities stay on the cards, as that's the bit thats likely to be kept.

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

I think I would be keen to buy a magazine along the same lines. Also maybe an audio book cd with music and mindfulness activities. Also maybe a set of stories where the monsters deal with stress or difficulties.

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

Absolutely. It's been very positive for us, I have already recommended it to a few friends. I also think we will sign up.

Should add my son is almost 5 yrs

Do you think mindful monsters activities impacted your child’s behaviour? If so how? Through using the mindful monsters cards we found that it was a good distraction for our son if he was feeling anxious or needed some focus time. He found them fun and were a good way to help him concentrate, calm down and relax.

What did you like most about the mindful monsters product?
I liked that there were different cards for different situations. So if he needed to burn off some energy, focus or relax for bed there was something for all of those situations.

Is there anything you think could be improved? No I think they are a great idea.

If mindful monsters was to Create an additional product, what would you like it to be?
Some thing for older children or/ and teens.

Would you recommend mindful monsters to a friend or family member? I definitely would and have already spoken to a couple of friends about them.

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

Yes, my son can get quite wound up in new situations. Some of the activities calmed him down. We’re moving house at the moment which he’s anxious about, but the worry monster seems to work well when he gets upset.

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

My son recognised the characters, I think from the TV advert, so he was very excited when he saw the packs. They were very easy to use.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?

Maybe promote the charity link more? I think they could be considered overpriced without the idea of supporting Scope.

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

A worry monster - one of the activities was to choose a cuddly toy to be your worry monster and tell it your problems.

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

Yes

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

Not really, although she did enjoy doing some of the activities. Some were a bit lost on her or she wasn't that interested. This may be her age though, and attention span (4.5yo).

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

That the cards were bright and colourful and that there was different themes for the activities.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?

More cards in the packs, more accessible through technology and interaction, more guidance

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

I'd prefer to buy as a full pack rather than a few a month, or buy a relaxation pack etc.

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

Not really, sorry. I think they should be marketed as a bonus to a month,y charitable donation, rather than the other way around. The monthly cost would be quite a lot unless you were looking for a monthly charity donation to make. I do feel they are more targeted for children a little older (maybe age 6-8?).

Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how? - not really, he enjoyed the activities but didn’t have a massive impact

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

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

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

• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member? - No I’m afraid too expensive

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

To a certain extent. DD liked the breathing exercises and that's no bad thing as she can be a worrier. That being said, when we read a card that was actually about worrying and having a worry toy to tell our worries to, DD became really tearful and said she was now worrying about being a worrier...

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

I like the categories and the idea that mindfulness isn't just about deep breathing but creativity and so on can also play an important part

• Is there anything you think could be improved?

No, not really

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

I think an audio book with daily children's guided meditation would be an idea. I know that one of the product's aims is to get parents working with their child on mindfulness but for deep breathing and stretching, children sometimes respond better to another (non parent) person

• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member? I wouldn't but many of my friends had family are in primary education like me so perhaps I'm not the target market for the product

I enjoyed the Mindful Monsters activities but I don't think they really positively impacted my children's behaviour. My twins are three so they are at the youngest age of suitability for the product, and I do think that most of the cards were aimed at a level higher than they could properly engage with.

What my children liked most about the product were the cards themselves. They are beautifully designed, they look really fun and my two wanted to actually play with the cards - they kept disappearing off the table and I would find them being used as characters in imaginary games!

If I were to improve something it would be to have more targeted cards for different age groups - what suits a three year old is likely to bore a seven year old and vice versa! I also feel like the format doesn't quite work. It would almost be better as an Instagram account with one of the activities posted daily.

If there was another product, I think it would be nice to have themed packs - e.g. a 'relaxation' pack with a cuddly toy of the relaxation monster, the cards, maybe a little book with the monster's character etc.

I wouldn't recommend Mindful Monsters in its current form. It's really expensive for what it is - and it's the kind of content that I am used to getting for free on Instagram. It's great that it supports Scope though.

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

For the time we were playing, yes. No long term change though.

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

The charitable donations. The kids enjoyed the activities

• Is there anything you think could be improved?

More cards in a pack

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

Cuddly toy

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

Yes they were nice activities.

We found they had a positive effect and my little one really enjoyed them. The activities were fun and engaging and I would recommend them to anyone.

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

Yes, we used the rewards stickers to reach behaviour goals (we already use a reward jar) and as the cards were new the novelty factor helped. Otherwise it worked by giving a simple distraction activity at times I could sense it was needed to avoid meltdowns ect. Was nice having it in a preprepared format!

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

Simple and easy to use without the need for any special equipment and can be used anytime/place.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?

Making them more portable- smaller cards in a waterproof container with key ring clip perhaps? So they will last awhile in use.

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

Like others have said an app to save taking cards out would be handy.

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

I’d like to but the price point puts me off as it’s a big outlay for the set.