Innholdsfortegnelse for Fall 2023 i MASK The Magazine

You are Cordially Invited to take flight with MASK as we celebrate our 16th year of engaging, educating, and empowering children and families. Join us on October 28th, 2023, for an unforgettable event filled with silent and live auctions, delightful dining, and dancing. This exclusive and enlightening occasion will also mark the launch of the MASK E3 Institute. Why Attend? At this event, we come together to raise funds that provide children with invaluable tools to navigate various challenges, such as peer pressure, trauma, and technology-related issues. The funds raised supports programming aimed at equipping students with the confidence to manage their emotions, develop frustration tolerance, and establish healthy boundaries. MASK is dedicated to serving the community by strengthening parent-child bonds and empowering children to make informed decisions that will prepare…

MASK’s online social emotional curriculum (MASK E3 Institute) is available for students, parents, teachers and can be done at school or in the comfort of the home. MASK’s E3 Institute uses a multimodal approach to teach kindergarten through high school students effective life skills to help them cope with peer pressure, bullying and technology-related challenges. Students will be equipped to self regulate and adapt to stress and will feel empowered to make decisions from a place of knowledge and confidence. This digital curriculum is: ✓ Tier 1 Prevention Programming✓ Aligned with curriculum standards/Every Student Succeeds Act✓ Turn-key digital format✓ Easy to integrate into weekly schedule✓ Quick Writes activities MASK’s E3 Institute is here to help teachers, parents and caregivers create safe, intentional environments where children can prosper, parent-child bonds can…

In the hustle and bustle of modern family life, maintaining a sense of balance and achieving success can often feel like an uphill battle. However, a family calendar can be a game-changer in bringing order and harmony to your daily routines. A well-organized family calendar is a powerful tool that keeps everyone on track and fosters communication and teamwork among family members. Let’s explore how to harness the potential of a family calendar to create a successful and well-organized life for your entire family. STEP 1: Choosing the Right Family Calendar App or Tool The first step toward achieving a well-organized life is selecting the right family calendar, app, or tool that suits your family’s needs. An array of options are available, from paper planners to feature-rich family planner apps…

There may be no more quintessentially fall activity than picking apples with your family. Sure, it’s the only time in your life you’ll willingly fork over $30 for a bag of mostly bruised apples—but any parent that’s ever seen the look of joy on their child’s face as they pick the most perfect apple in an orchard can tell you those memories are priceless. From the rolling hills of New England to the sprawling landscapes of the Midwest, here are some of the country’s best places to go apple picking. ★ OAK GLEN, CALIFORNIA Located just outside Los Angeles, Oak Glen is a charming apple-picking destination on the West Coast. With picturesque orchards nestled in the San Bernardino Mountains, visitors can pick from various apple varieties, including Jonagold, Gala and…

In today’s fast-paced digital era, children are increasingly becoming digitally distracted and digital addiction is becoming a concerning issue. The constant allure of screens, gadgets, and online activities can lead to excessive technology use, impacting children’s well-being, development, and relationships. As caregivers and educators, addressing this pressing concern and guiding kids toward developing healthy digital habits that foster a balanced and fulfilling life is essential. Parents play a pivotal role in shaping their children’s technology usage. Utilizing parental control apps and setting screen time limits can help regulate device access and ensure a healthy balance between online and offline activities. Teaching mindful technology use empowers children to become conscious digital citizens, being aware of the consequences of their actions online and fostering responsible behavior. Empowering children with digital citizenship education…

As your high school student prepares to embark on their college journey, ensuring their success becomes a top priority for families. College life brings new adventures and challenges; proactive preparation is key to providing your student with the right support and resources. From choosing the perfect college to figuring out how to pay for it, here are five tips for families preparing for college success. 1 RESEARCH AND EXPLORE DIFFERENT COLLEGES AND PROGRAMS TOGETHER Embark on a joint college research journey with your student to explore various colleges and programs that align with their interests and aspirations. Engage in open discussions about campus cultures, program offerings and potential career paths. Understanding the college admissions process as a family will ensure your student feels informed and supported during this significant decision-making…

MASK Elite Supporters PLEASE CONSIDER BECOMING A MASK SUPPORTER Sponsor a MASK event, program or support MASK by advertising in MASK The Magazine. Your support allows MASK to serve the community with the goal of strengthening parent-child bonds and empowering children to make decisions from a place of knowledge and confidence and prepare them to thrive. ▶ TO LEARN MORE, please contact the MASK office at 480-502-5337. Together we can positively impact children and families.…

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY 1 | BODY LANGUAGE CLUES Pay attention to your kids’ non-verbal cues: Are their shoulders rounding forward? Do they look troubled? Are they constantly staring down with an empty gaze? A major change in their demeanor or mood may be cause for concern. Observe with all of your senses. 2 | ABANDONING FRIEND GROUPS It’s natural for kids to outgrow certain friendships and make new ones with each passing year, but a complete change in their peer group could indicate a serious problem. If your child abandons his old friend group and starts hanging out with an unsavory crowd, it’s time to delve deeper. 3 | DECLINING GRADES When grades drop suddenly, it could mean your child is struggling with a psychological problem…

▶ SUBSCRIBE TO MASK The Magazine Parenting Solutions for Today’s Families. Visit: maskmatters.org ▶ DOWNLOAD THE MASKmatters app Available free on the apple store and google play. ▶ WATCH ON MASKmatters YouTube Page Subscribe and watch MASK+ Live Healthy communities start at home, one family at a time. Engage, educate, and empower yours through all of the MASK platforms today! Phone: (480) 502-5337 ✪ Email: info@maskmatters.org ✪ Social: @maskmatters…

ANGELA AMBROSE // Contributor During her 30-year writing career, Angela Ambrose has written for Fortune 500 companies and the U.S. Public Health Service, as well as a number of magazines, newspapers and websites. A mother of two, Angela enjoys writing about the important issues affecting kids today and applying what she learns at home. Angela is also a nationally certified group fitness instructor and registered yoga teacher. SHEFALI GANDHI, Psy.D. PLLC // Contributor Dr. Shefali Gandhi is a licensed psychologist at Shefali Gandhi, PsyD, PLLC. She focuses on healing and empowering children and families coping with such issues as anxiety, depression, ADHD, defiant behavior disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Dr. Gandhi is passionate about working with children to prevent and heal mental illness, provide education to the public, and foster…

BULLYING: Many adults believe that bullying can build character or “toughen up” a quiet kid, but bullying is not a normal part of childhood and may lead to lifelong trauma. Teach kids to call out bullying and to get an adult involved anytime somebody’s health and well-being are at risk. DRUG: If your child is struggling with addiction, both parents must agree on a plan of action for recovery. Parents should work as a team to educate themselves and set recovery goals and rules. If nobody can agree, then it is recommended to seek professional help. TECH: Think twice about the pictures you post of your children online. People now search social media for images of children to then Photoshop their faces into inappropriate videos or images using artificial intelligence.…

As parents and caregivers, one of the most fulfilling aspects of raising children is witnessing their interests and passions blossom. When children discover activities that captivate their hearts and minds, it opens up a world of possibilities for their personal and emotional growth. Fostering passions in kids is not only about keeping them occupied; it is a powerful tool for their overall development. Supporting and encouraging your child’s passions can positively impact their mental health, help build their resilience against negative influences and strengthen your bond. ❤️ KEEPING KIDS ENGAGED AND FOCUSED: HOW PASSIONATE PURSUITS PLAY A CRUCIAL ROLE Engagement and focus are crucial attributes for a child’s development and success in various aspects of life. When children are involved in activities they are passionate about, be it sports, arts,…

Q: My parents told me they would stop paying for so many things for me. Instead, they are giving me an allowance every week, and if I want more money, I have to do chores. This seems unfair. I don’t see why I am being forced to do all this work around the house so that I can go hang out with my friends. Plus, everything is so expensive; I’ll have to do so much work be fore I can get enough money to do anything! – Eliza, Grade 9, Austin, TX. A: Hi Eliza! Getting an allowance is good practice for managing money. Once you understand the payoff from putting in the hard work, I think you will appreciate your allowance a bit more. Some kids don’t get the…

To help parents prepare to support their college-aged children to have a meaningful and successful college experience even when setbacks arise, we asked Ina Seok, Director of Arizona State University’s Student Success Center, for her insight and advice. Here’s what she shared. Q: College is an exciting time for young people. What are some common reasons students might inadvertently find themselves off track in meeting their higher education milestones? College is indeed an exciting time for young people, and it’s not uncommon for students to inadvertently find themselves off track. There are several reasons this can happen, including: ✪ Lack of effective time management skills: College often presents students with newfound freedom and responsibilities. If they struggle to manage their time effectively, they may find themselves overwhelmed and falling behind.…

In today’s fast-paced world, where processed and unhealthy foods are readily available, instilling healthy eating habits in children is more important than ever. Clean eating is a nutritional approach that prioritizes whole, unprocessed and nutrient-dense foods while minimizing the consumption of sugary, high-calorie and heavily processed options. Parents can provide their children with the building blocks for a lifetime of well-being and optimal health by adopting a clean eating lifestyle. ✪ THE KEY PRINCIPLES OF CLEAN EATING FOR KIDS AND HOW TO IMPLEMENT THEM Clean eating for kids revolves around several key principles that contribute to their overall health and development. Encouraging the consumption of whole foods, such as colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins and healthy fats, ensures that children receive a balanced and diverse array of…

When talking to kids about emotionally-charged subjects — the dent on the family car, failing grades or sex—it’s easy to overreact and pass judgment. This is the fastest way to shut down communication and alienate them. Calm Your Chaotic Mind If you’re angry or upset about your child’s behavior, center yourself before talking with them. Engage in an activity that helps you relax and release tension: • Go for a brisk walk• Listen to calming music• Meditate and take slow, deep breaths• Call a trusted friend• Take a warm bath Choose an Unhurried, Stress-Free Time of Day If you’re rushing off to work or your kid is cramming for an exam, this is not the time to broach a touchy subject. Find a time of day when you and your…

MASK traces its origins back to a car ride I had with my son over 16 years ago. Little did I know that he and his peers were already grappling with issues like bullying and substance abuse at such a young age. These pervasive problems caught me off guard, leaving me ill-prepared to address them. As parents, we have no definitive guidebook that tells us what to do, what to teach, or what to be aware of. While advancements in technology have bridged some gaps, we all strive to give our children the tools they need to become the best versions of themselves. Unfortunately, the social issues that prompted the creation of MASK years ago have only intensified and become the new normal for kids today. Bullying, technology-related challenges, substance…

A regular bedtime routine and consistent sleep schedule are invaluable gifts for your child’s well-being. Knowing how to wind down, self-soothe and get adequate sleep promotes overall health and plays a vital role in their physical, cognitive, and emotional development. WHY IS A REGULAR BEDTIME ROUTINE SO IMPORTANT? ⍟ Promotes Healthy Sleep Patterns: By keeping a consistent bedtime routine, you’re helping your child’s internal body clock stay on track, which means they’ll develop healthy sleep patterns. ⍟ Enhances Cognitive Function: Getting enough sleep is like giving your child’s brain a power boost. A regular bedtime routine ensures they catch enough Zs, helping them focus, concentrate and perform better in school. ⍟ Supports Emotional Well-being: A bedtime routine isn’t just about winding down—it’s about providing comfort and security. This sacrosanct time…

Teenage partying can be an exciting and enjoyable part of adolescence, but it also comes with significant responsibilities and potential risks. As teenagers venture into social gatherings and parties, it’s essential to be aware of the dangers of underage drinking and its potentially life-altering consequences. Underage drinking not only puts kids at risk but also poses a threat to others, especially if they choose to get behind the wheel after consuming alcohol. Designated drivers play a crucial role in preventing alcohol-related accidents and ensuring the safety of everyone involved. A designated driver is a person who volunteers to stay sober for the evening and assumes the responsibility of driving their friends home safely. By having a designated driver, young people can enjoy their time at parties while making responsible choices…

“When parents actively listen to their children and validate their feelings, it builds trust and strengthens the child’s emotional resilience.”– Dr. Emily Collins Parenting is a hard gig—the hardest, actually. At any given moment, you’re just trying to get through the day, ensure everyone is safe and fed and that your sanity remains mostly intact by bedtime. And yet, in the chaos of day-to-day life, our purpose is so much bigger than just surviving the logistics of soccer practice, ballet recitals, geometry homework, and driver’s ed. Our ultimate job is to prepare these beautiful and often exasperating humans we’re committed to for the world without us. Our job is to prepare them to care for themselves when we can’t or shouldn’t step in on their behalf. To ready them to…

Prevention education plays a crucial role in equipping our youth, families, educators, and communities with the necessary tools, language, and empowerment for a lifelong journey toward health and wellness. By building skills that can prevent or mitigate the impact of adverse life events, we have the power to profoundly alter the trajectory of a child’s life, putting them on the path to success. “Prevention can be straightforward and simple in that it comes down to talking to your child early, openly and honestly about safety, healthy relationships, decision-making, and discovering a strong sense of self,” says Dr. Shefali Gandhi, a licensed psychologist in Scottsdale, Arizona. “Prevention is not about instilling fear; rather, it is about encouraging your kids to feel strong and in control so that they can learn to…

As a mom of two kids whose interest in vegetables varies depending on their moods, the weather and probably the alignment of the planets at the precise moment I serve dinner, I’m always on the hunt for meals that are both nutritious AND appealing to the developing taste buds of littles. This veggie-loaded mac and cheese recipe delivers big flavor (for kids and adults alike), thanks to the sweetness the cauliflower takes on during the roasting process and a velvety cheese sauce, but it’s also packed with fiber, protein and micronutrients. MACARONI + CAULIFLOWER + CHEESE INGREDIENTS 1 medium head cauliflower, cored and cut into small florets2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oilSalt and pepper4 ounces elbow macaroni or other small cut pasta1 tablespoon unsalted butter1 tablespoon flour1 ¼ cups milk (preferably…

All my life, people in need have been drawn to me. Whether weekly or even daily, strangers and acquaintances alike have come to me seeking advice, help, or simply someone to talk to. I’ve had some heartfelt encounters, like in a restaurant bathroom, where I helped a woman get back into her wheelchair while she shared her struggles dealing with her daughter’s mental illness. Another time, in a craft store, I stayed with a woman for 45 minutes as she hid from her abusive boyfriend and arranged a safe place for her to go. During my own college experience, I met with a classmate to work on a school project but instead sat with him while he confessed that he didn’t think he had what it takes to be in…