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

[NewSchoolNewName]

We tested these with DS1 (7) and DS2 (5).

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

No noticeable change in behaviour. DS2 engaged with the cards more than DS1.
I felt that the cards didn’t really work well at defusing tearful tantrums or other challenging situations - I think that’s maybe one where my DC would need to be thoroughly familiar with the calming activity in advance.

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

DC liked looking through the colourful cards, they’re a good size for children to handle and the designs appealed to my DC, especially DS2.
It’s also simple and easy to use, and the cards can be easily carried around in handbags or backpacks.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?
  

An option to buy all the cards at once, or to pay for replacement cards if some are lost / damaged (we’ve had to retrieve Mindful Monster cards from 2yr old DS3 on several occasions, and he’s not always careful with this sort of thing).
I was also a bit confused about the numbering of the cards provided, I would have expected them to be numbered Activity 1, 2, 3 etc, but the numbering on the cards provided seemed a bit random.

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

An app where you can see the activities on smartphones / tablets.

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

I’m a bit on the fence about it. On the one hand, there’s a nice set of activities designed to appeal to children, but on the other hand, it’s quite expensive.
I think it’s one that I’d mainly recommend to friends / family who would be interested in supporting Scope - if it’s viewed in terms of a bonus that you get for supporting Scope, then the cost would seem more reasonable.

[Sweetpotatoaddict]

I used the cards with my four year old.

• Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how? I’m not sure they had much impact, I liked the colour spiral as it encouraged him to communicate his feelings through drawing. The worry monster was good idea, which i’ve suggested but he’s not bought into it.
  
• What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product? Liked the characters and the fact there were four different ones that related to the different topics. Each activity was quick and easy to do.
  
• Is there anything you think could be improved? I thought there would be a bit more on managing anger/ encouraging positivity.
  
• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be? A story book or a game.
  
• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member? I’m not sure I would without them voicing a specific concern with their child’s behaviour.
  

We will continue to use them as my ds likes them. Thanks for the opportunity to test them.

[TSellick]

Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?
He enjoyed some of them however I believe he is to young (he is 4 years old) for some of the other ones. He didnt understand some of them.

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

I liked that the cards all had different colourful monsters on them and they had a variety of different activities on them which were great. My little one enjoyed the cards due to the eye catching colours and scenarios.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?

We did really enjoy the cards but i feel like a book or colouring book to introduce the monsters to my son would have been a benefit. It might have made it easier for my son to understand the mindful monsters. Also to seperate the cards into age groups. This way the right ages would recieve the appropriate cards for there age.

• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be? Soft toys, figurines or an app.
• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member?

Yes. They were great, however only recommending to the right age group. They are very appealing and a fun activity.

[kzedii]

Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how? A Little they wanted to do the activities and would get ready for bed quicker, when i would use the relaxation cards.

• What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product? I like the different activities they were quick and easy to carry out did not need 101 things. Also really like the chatterbox print out.
• Is there anything you think could be improved? Opportunity to buy all cards together. More relaxation cards.
• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be? board game or stuffed toys.
• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member? The cards in them selves are great but i think the subscription is quite expensive for what you get. Unless you were specifically looking to donate i dont think i would recommend.

[BraayTigger]

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

At the time we were doing mindful monsters yes my daughter was engaged and listening and well behaved. Can't say they had a lasting effect or were rememberable.

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

I took the packs on holiday with us but only remembered to use them in the taxi to the airport and at the airport. They were good time fillers and my daughter thought they were fun. Easy to pack in handbag and shuffle through.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?

I wouldn't buy the subscription as there is not enough to the pack - not value for money. We got through the whole pack very quickly.
Would buy maybe as a one off pack of activity cards.

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

A book with stories re the monsters and activities

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

I'm afraid I wouldn't. Just don't think the cards are that creative and lack detail. As a subscription I'd want more cards and themes maybe.

[scarfattack]

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

They were a distraction so in that way yes. But I don't think that they did anything specifically that was different.

What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?
That they are cards so quite tactile. An app would not have been as effective I don't think.

Is there anything you think could be improved?

More guidance for parents in the moment of using them. Especially when it's the first few times. It's easy to say what you should do but no help getting there. Perhaps an incentive would be good too, or reward. Not sure if that's appropriate but I can feel the novelty wearing off sooner rather than later.

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

Maybe something like a game or mindful monsters dice like the story cubes. More help for parents so maybe an adult oriented booklet. If you want subscriptions then maybe a magazine with activities and stickers etc.

Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member?
I wouldn't not recommend but I wouldn't say they have made anything better or easier, apart from the initial newness. The very act of doing the activities is obviously worth recommending but specifically these cards? Too expensive and definitely not a subscription product. Just buy a pack as a one off.



Thanks anyway though, definitely hit on something!

[KondoKonvert]

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

Erm, not to any great impact. She enjoyed sorting through the cards and was engaged in the activities for a few minutes.

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

The cards are very attractive and fun to look at

• Is there anything you think could be improved?

I felt I was missing something with the concept...I don't think it represented value for money.

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

Maybe an app to supplement the cards with different ideas

• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member? Probably not in it's current formation.

[Osquito]

Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?
It did in that if DS was having a bad day I knew we could use a positivity/relaxation card at bedtime to just help him go to sleep easier, and the creativity cards were good for those random moments of boredom. Long term I can’t comment whether the cards have had a permanent effect... he does remember how to do the positivity exercises though!
What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product?
The cards are very attractively designed, and my young child kept wanting to look through them. I liked that he actually seemed to pay attention to the activities (he still does the rocket breathing thing, and I have caught him ‘blowing away’ a worry on his own. I like that you are not tied to a routine with them, it is really something you just pick up whenever needed.
Is there anything you think could be improved?
A few of the activities are a bit obvious and something everyone does anyway, but this may be different for other families - it’s hard to cater to everyone.
If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be?
I think mini animation clips (perhaps on YouTube) or even an app version would go along great.
Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member? At the current subscription price I’d be a bit loathe to tell someone to get it, even if the money is used fairly - I think it is probably more for middle-classed families who have the means to spend on wellbeing activities... but a friend is training in mindfulness and I have told her about them, she may use them for child clients. I think I would recommend them to my DS’ teachers, I can see them being utilised in small classes.

Thanks for the trial, we really enjoyed using them and it has helped a lot with my child’s stresses.

[Teladi]

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

I think anything that prompts us to take stock and think about our behaviour and actions has a positive impact. These activities did that.

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

Attractive design and theming

• Is there anything you think could be improved?

I'm not sure

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

An app, perhaps some sort of tracker?

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

Yes

[AppleDragon]

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

The cards didn't hold the attention of my 3 year old, but my seven year old loved them. They were good at distracting him when he was struggling to manage his behaviour, and give him something positive to focus on.

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

The cards were beautifullly designed and had a good mix of activities. I liked the fact that they were themed: relaxation, creativity etc. to help children pick a relevant card.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?
  

Maybe a different way to purchase: doesn't seem to suit the subscription model.

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

I agree with others that an app would be good. I also think that stickers would reinforce the activities and create excitement around the pack arriving each month.

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

Yes

[HipHipHippo]

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

I definitely think so, DD seems calmer when facing new situations that are to be expected with a big move. We no longer have tearful faces or cling on moments at drop off time either, which is a huge relief.


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

I liked how colourful and eye catching they are. DD spotted them straight out of the post and quickly identified her favourite monster.

- Is there anything you think could be improved?

Perhaps the cards could have a little footnote for parents with regards to what situation that particular card would be best used in. For example: this card is a great ice breaker to use in making new friends, or, if your child is shy this card could help when meeting new people.

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

I think some kind of interactive app would be great to go along with these.

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

Considering that the price reflects a donation to charity along with the packs that you receive I think I would, though I feel I would have to point that out.
My DD definitely seems happier in herself so if I could pass that on I would.

[chorusline79]

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

It did provide a focus for my son when he was getting bored and fed up with his younger sister, so it was a good distraction. He did ask to sit and do the cards on a couple of occasions, and it did make him calmer at the time.

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

The colourful design, the characters which really appealed to my child, and the variety of activities - my son particularly liked the more creative/imaginative focused tasks.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?
  

My son is 4 and I do think it was a bit advanced for him. Some of it was too complex for him to grasp, and he couldn’t understand some of the questions.

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

Perhaps there could be a product aimed at slightly younger children, or they could separate the ages into separate products, as I feel it is perhaps covering too wide an age bracket.

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

Yes, I already have to a friend with a slightly older daughter who might benefit from it. I like the concept.

[Phizpop]

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

At 3, DC enjoyed the opening of the boxes and looking at the cards but can't say there was a difference in behaviour. He didn't really go back to them once he had played with the cards. Wasn't particularly interested in what was said on card, preferred to colour match!

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

I liked the ideas on them

• Is there anything you think could be improved?

More guidance on use. A back story to introduce the monsters. Felt a bit lost when opening the packet as to how to introduce them as we opened it together but wasn't sure what I was looking at.

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

I like the board game idea pp suggested. We often use orchard games to regain focus and sense of dedicated concentration from us and dc

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

As we saw, no unfortunately not. However I realise its a fundraiser. May be better to say donate this amount of money (2.50-5max) and get the cards free (in a flat envelope rather than the larger box to save postage) instead of £7.50 subscription, which was too pricey for what we got.

[Pduck]

Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?
Not particularly, 8 think she saw it as something a bit different but couldn’t really get a huge amount out of the activities as at 4, she seemed a bit too young for the cards we received.

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

I liked the ideas and that there were ideas for lots of different situations

• Is there anything you think could be improved?
  

I think there needed to be more explanation and ideas about how to use the cards

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

Either an index of cards to use in different situations, e.g. problems sleeping or stressful times or an app with games based on different situations that the cards cover

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

I think it’s a nice additional extra to giving money to a charity but I’m not sure that there’s enough content or support to use it there just yet.

[alwaysdressedinyellow]

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

Not really- she was initially excited to receive the cards and look at them, but soon got bored of them.

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

I think they were bright, colourful and easy to use and understand.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?
  

Perhaps some different age range cards, or tips on when/where to use them.

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

I like the idea of a game. Or selling as a pack rather than collecting cards.

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

Yes, but I think they are expensive.

[lemonjam]

Thanks for the chance to test! I have a just turned 3 year old and a nearly 8 year old, so one at each end of the spectrum!

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

Yes, I think so, for dd (7). She absolutely loves them, she is excited to squish one in whenever she can. She’s started pointing out things that make her smile, and always wants to do a relaxing one before bed.
The just 3 year old doesn’t really have the concentration to participate fully! However I suspect that means he could benefit a lot from it in the long run.

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

Love how the activities are short and can be slotted into moments, in the morning/bedtime routine etc.
Also the fact they are for charity is nice :)

• Is there anything you think could be improved?
  

Can’t think of anything.

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

I think an app with guided meditations (for bedtime!) would be good.

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

Yes, definitely. I think we’ll subscribe.

[Bringmewineandcake]

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

I don’t think they really did. She was thrilled that one of the cards was an activity she already does (writing messages with your finger on someone’s back for them to guess). The rest she didn’t really engage with, although she did like the monsters.

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

I liked the story telling cards where the child is encouraged to act out their day or their favourite book.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?
  

Not really. The idea is sound it just didn’t really provide anything that we haven’t seen before. If we hadn’t had similar activity cards before, dd and I might have been more engaged.

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

A book about calming strategies. Sounds silly for a 6 year old but she gets worked up over the smallest of things, so she would benefit from a calming book she could read herself.

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

Not really no, sorry. I know it’s a charitable donation but the £7.50 is not justifiable for a few cards.

[Rhinosaur]

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

It made my two stop and think - my nearly 6 year old was more engaged with the cards than her younger brother who is nearly 4.

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

Nice colourful simple design - likes that you got a box to keep the cards in with one of the boxes.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?
  

More guidance on how best to use the product and maybe something more - I think the price is a little too high for what you receive (although I do feel guilty for that as I know they support a charity).

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

As many have said an app would be good. The cards are fine at home but I wouldn’t take them out with me.

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

Possibly if I felt they’d be beneficial to them but I think I’d have to tell them the cost feels a little high.

[Queenbee17]

Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how? yes my 4 year old was very happy to have these used after her afternoon nap when shes quite grumpy

• What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product? the different cards were very useful, although maybe abit too difficult to understand for a only just turned 4 year old
• Is there anything you think could be improved? no
• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be? an app would be great
• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member? yes absolutely

[Zebrasinpyjamas]

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

My dc wasn't very interested on them so not particularly.

• What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product? He liked the monsters and colours.
• Is there anything you think could be improved?

I struggled to understand the structure of how they were meant to work. Some activities were very quick and some we do already. I don't really see how it was meant to be used altogether as an activity/product.

• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be? Don't know
• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member? No. Too expensive for what it was. I might subscribe simply as a way of supporting the charity.

[Goingovertosusanshouse]

Testers please answer the following questions:

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

They were a good distraction tool and gave us something to focus on together rather than any negative behaviour.

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

They were appealing to children and the activities were accessible. I liked the box so that children could help themselves to find something suitable.

• Is there anything you think could be improved? No
  
• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be? Probably some kind of app/game with music.
  
• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member? Yes
  

We also used the cards and the printable as part of an intervention group in school, the children told their friends about the activities and others wanted to join. The cards really had a positive impact and again, worked as a distraction technique. The children then went on to make their own set of cards with their own mindfulness techniques. All in all a really positive experience, thank you.

[jube123]

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

Yes I do believe it did my little boy was calm and he really enjoyed playing with these cards.

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

The characters were colourful and fun, the colours appealed to my little boy so the idea is great.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?

No I don't think so my little boy really enjoyed them

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

An app or interactive game either of these would be beneficial and fun

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

Yes I would

[BernardsarenotalwaysSaints]

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

Yes, dc3(6) asked to do some of the cards when she was starting to feel like she wanted to strip & it did work. She also remembered some of the activities that really helped & stops & did them quietly.

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

That there were various type of activities.

- Is there anything you think could be improved?

I don’t think there is, although I applied to test the pack for dc3 all of my older 4 (9,8 &3) all liked doing them.

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

An app would be good so if you wanted to do activities out & about or on a long journey you wouldn’t need to take the cards with you.

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

Yes, we really liked &, as I said, all the dc likes them.

[RainbowMum11]

Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how?
Not really, although DD did enjoy some of the activities.

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

The simple design and bright characters.

• Is there anything you think could be improved?
  

There wasn't much explanation of how to use the cards in the best way - more instructions for adults would be helpful.

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

A board game or app would be good.

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

Yes, but not at £7.50/month - it's a great concept but not sure how well it would work as a subscription service at that price.

[Promette]

• Do you think Mindful Monsters activities positively impacted your child's behaviour? If so, how? Yes at the time of playing, but not in the longer term overally. It did give him something to focus on and the tasks were creative and fun
  

• What did you like most about the Mindful Monsters product? He loved the characters and we both loved the variety of activities.
  

• Is there anything you think could be improved? My son wanted to know what to do with the stickers and if there was a chart (which I see there is now). Maybe consider more boxes for the different types of activities to store them so they can easily select the type they need depending on their mood.
  

• If Mindful Monsters was to create an additional product, what would you like it to be? My son loves the characters so maybe collectibles? Preferably not plastic. Maybe soft toy versions ? I like the fact everything is card and not digital, - we like screen free activities that we can talk about and encourage creative thinking.
  

• Would you recommend Mindful Monsters to a friend or family member? Yes, definitely - and I love the fact that Scope have developed this as a fundraising product but it doesn’t feel like one
  

My son has just turned 5 (was 4 when we tested it)