Innholdsfortegnelse for Winter 2023 i MASK The Magazine

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…

Recent years have seen a worrying uptick in the use of recreational drugs among teenagers and “Whip-its,” a slang term for nitrous oxide inhalants, has gained particular attention. These seemingly innocuous inhalants pose considerable health risks to young individuals. “Whip-its” refer to small canisters of nitrous oxide, primarily used for whipped cream dispensers. They have become popular among teenagers due to their easy accessibility and affordability, providing a quick, euphoric high. However, the inhalation of nitrous oxide directly from these canisters or balloons can lead to oxygen deprivation, causing fainting or, in severe cases, life-threatening situations. Adolescents, especially young children, are susceptible to severe brain damage from nitrous oxide abuse, causing nerve damage, memory issues and coordination problems. Moreover, they can serve as a potential gateway to other substance abuse.…

❅ The Technology Tail: A Digital Footprint Story by Julia Cook (Boys Town Press, $11.95) ❅ Finding Joy: A Fun Creative Guide by Raven Howell (Story Monsters Press, $15.95) ❅ Goodnight iPad: A Parody for the Next Generation by Ann Droyd (Blue Rider Press, $17.00) ❅ Break Through the Noise: Build Lit Social Skills, Discover How To Stop Doubting Yourself, Tackle Social Anxiety And Find Your Voice by Mia Reyes ($9.99) ❅ The Healthy Family Cookbook: 100 Fast and Easy Recipes for the Whole Family by Brittany Poulson (Rockridge Press, $14.99)…

As parents, we want our children to learn how to socialize with others their own age. It’s natural for adolescents to seek solace in their peers, but these connections often lack the unconditional love and wisdom they receive from their parents or caretakers. There are times when young people bond over a shared need for connection or shared feelings of being misunderstood by parents—this shared sense of insecurity can lead to unhealthy bonds and numbing habits. The bond between peers has deep roots, but today, social media and gaming have expanded the reach, creating an overstimulated and, at times, toxic environment. Adolescents become trapped in the pursuit of approval. Smartphones and technology have exposed our kids to mean comments from thousands of peers versus a few friends at school. This…

Special thanks to these businesses and individuals who have shown their continued support for MASK and its programs. 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 | BANISH IMPATIENCE Instead of complaining or getting frustrated when your flight is delayed or you get stuck in rush-hour traffic, practice staying calm and accepting things you can’t control. By modeling patience with small, everyday challenges, children will see and ultimately develop better focus and self-discipline over the long haul. 2 | SHOW UNCONDITIONAL LOVE You may not always like your kids’ attitudes or behaviors. However, letting them know they are unconditionally loved creates a solid foundation from which they can grow and venture into the world. It helps them feel secure, accepted and valued, no matter their life challenges. 3 | EXPRESS SADNESS Instead of shielding kids from pain, let them see how you deal with the inevitable disappointments, setbacks,…

On Saturday, Oct. 28, the annual UnMASKed Gala hosted by MASK (Mothers Awareness on School-age Kids) took flight at Scottsdale Hangar One. This year’s event marked a significant milestone, not only commemorating 16 years of dedicated work in engaging, educating, and empowering children and families but also heralding the launch of the revolutionary MASK E3 Institute, an online platform aimed at transforming education. The gala, themed around aviation, set the stage for an unforgettable evening. Guests were warmly welcomed by flight attendants adorned in red, accompanied by the iconic MASKotters, the MASK’s Official Mascots, who were dressed to impress and ushered guests into the world of MASK’s educational endeavors. Kimberly Cabral, Founder of MASK, expressed the significance of the venue, emphasizing how the red room symbolized MASK’s core principles of…

MASK (Mothers Awareness on School-age Kids) is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization created in 2007 by a group of dedicated mothers who recognized the need to consistently educate families on rapidly-changing issues. The MASK mission is to engage and educate parents, children and the community about the issues facing youth and to empower children to make safe, healthy choices. MASK helps children learn invaluable life skills for how to cope with a number of issues including responding to peer pressure, dealing with trauma and technology-related challenges. In today’s viral and social media world, coping skills are more necessary than ever. MASK equips students to feel confident regulating their emotions, maintaining frustration tolerance and setting healthy boundaries. MASK has served the community for over a decade, with the goal of strengthening parent-child bonds…

Raising children in an era dominated by technology and rapid information flow has become challenging, requiring guidance and resources to ensure their well-rounded development. MASK has created these resources to help build communication bridges between parents, children, teachers and the community. ✪ The MASK E3 Institute offers a comprehensive, yearlong program aimed at developing crucial life skills for children across different age groups. It consists of specialized programs: MASK Academy (kindergarten to 6th grade), MASK Prep (middle and high school) and Parent University. These initiatives focus on nurturing social-emotional skills and address key topics like drug awareness, bullying, and online safety, providing digital resources for educational and home settings. ✪ The MASK Live podcast, available on YouTube, features expert panels including medical professionals, psychologists and educators who provide valuable parenting…

When preparing to get in the car with my permit carrying teens each time, I took a deep breath and reminded myself that yelling would never help. I wasn’t sure who was going to cry first. The teen gripping the wheel so tightly her knuckles were stark white or me, gripping the handle above the door with an equally tight grip. She was driving exceedingly slowly; the traffic backed up behind us on the county road, at least 10 cars deep, and I just kept breathing deeply and reminding her that it was OK to go slow. They’d pass as soon as they could. But inside, I imagined the building rage inside all of these adults on their way home from work who didn’t know who was inside this car…

Social media platforms’ pervasive influence has changed how kids perceive reality, often blurring the lines between real life and the carefully curated highlight reels they encounter online. As parents and educators, it is our responsibility to help children navigate this digital landscape, understand the dangers of making comparisons and cultivate healthy self-esteem. THE DANGER OF COMPARING REAL LIFE TO A HIGHLIGHT REEL Kids, in their formative years, are particularly vulnerable to the perils of comparing their own lives to the seemingly flawless existence portrayed by others on social media. The constant stream of filtered photos, meticulously edited content, and polished narratives can create a distorted sense of reality for children. This, in turn, can lead to feelings of inadequacy, social anxiety, and what is often termed “social media envy.” Children…

Q: So, here’s my issue, my friend has become increasingly distant over the past few weeks for what seems like no reason. They’ve always been outgoing and fun to be around, but lately, they’ve changed. Now they’re canceling plans and showing disinterest in things we enjoyed together. I’ve tried talking to them, but they’re closed off about what’s bothering them. I care about my friend and want to help, but I’m unsure how to approach this without making things worse or them uncomfortable. Any advice would be appreciated. – Jack, 9th Grade, San Jose, CA A: “Hey Jack, it’s tough to see a friend going through a hard time, and it’s clear you care a lot about them. When someone’s distant or moody, it can be hard to know how…

College years mark a period of immense change for young adults, often testing their emotional resilience. To assist students and families in navigating mental health challenges during this crucial phase, we connected with Tamara Mitchell, LCSW. She serves as the Associate Director of Crisis and Consultation at Arizona State University Counseling Services and offers valuable insights and advice. Q: College is a major transition for many young people and can come with a fair degree of emotional dysregulation. What are some signs that young people and parents can be on the lookout for that a student is struggling with emotional regulation? The transition to college can be a challenging time for young people and emotional dysregulation is not uncommon. Recognizing the signs of emotional dysregulation can assist students in getting connected…

I’ve been a professional food writer for nearly 15 years, yet nearly every day around 4 p.m., like clockwork, I have the same thought: Really? I have to cook dinner for these people? Again? Don’t get me wrong—food is my love language, and I really do enjoy cooking for my loving husband and beautiful children. And yet, there is no denying that preparing a meal that all members of one’s family will eat without too much fussing night after night can sometimes get a little old (and can be a scrambled Rubik’s cube at worst). Between accommodating the fluctuating food preferences of various family members, the struggle to balance nutrition and taste, and fighting through your own end-of-day exhaustion as you cook, it can be an awful lot of emotional…

Do you ever feel emotionally stuck or overwhelmed? A simple mindfulness tool called RAIN can help you deal with difficult feelings such as anger, fear, anxiety or addictive behaviors.  RAIN is a four-step meditation technique that stands for: Recognize, Allow, Investigate, Nurture. Find a quiet place to sit and try it now. 1. Recognize: Bring to mind a specific situation or person that’s causing you distress. Become aware of any thoughts, behaviors, or physical sensations that you’re experiencing. What are you feeling at this moment? Frustration, shame, nervousness, sadness? Whatever the emotion, try to label it. 2. Allow: Be open and present to whatever emotions show up. Let go of any effort to suppress, push away or change what you’re feeling. Accept your emotions just as they are. 3. Investigate: Ask…

Hi, I’m Sophia, an eighth grader navigating the ups and downs of middle school life. I want to share my story about the challenges I faced with online bullying through apps like Snapchat and how I found healing and support from my friends and family. Middle school can be tough; we’re all trying to fit in, discover who we are and make new friends. Social media and apps like Snapchat seemed like a great way to connect with others, but they became a source of pain and insecurity for me. It all began last year, at the beginning of seventh grade, when I got my first smartphone. I was excited to join my friends on Snapchat, sharing funny snaps and chatting with them. But soon, things took a dark turn. I…

As a parent of a teenager, these words are all too familiar. I have witnessed the constant bombardment of technology, the hours spent glued to screens, the endless stream of videos, and the numbing out that defines youth today. It’s as if they are being desensitized and mesmerized into a false narrative of what life and living should be. They’re drawn into this digital world where they’re exposed to things we couldn’t have imagined a mere decade ago – things we’d shield them from, keep off the news, and protect their innocence from when we were able. The images and information they encounter as they scroll through seemingly benign apps now can be inappropriate, risky, and potentially harmful. How could this not impact their development, emotions, and mental health? We,…

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. SARAH ETMAN // Contributor With over 13 years of experience, Sarah Etman has dedicated her career to working with diverse groups, including families, athletes, children and individuals, to impart valuable lessons in emotional intelligence and compassionate communication. As a Communication Specialist with a unique background in Psychology, Non-Violent Communication and the Three Principles of thought, mind, and consciousness, her mission is to empower…

BULLYING: Encourage open dialogue and educate your children about various forms of bullying, such as racism, relational harassment, online harassment, social exclusion, and bystander roles. By remaining informed and engaged, parents can contribute to establishing a secure and supportive environment where their children can flourish. DRUG: Encourage a drug-free lifestyle by involving kids in engaging activities. Discover and support their interests to keep them away from drugs, providing a positive alternative to combat boredom and help them thrive in healthy pursuits. TECH: Various mental health apps for kids aim to reduce stress, build emotional resilience, and enhance essential mental health skills. These tools support your child’s mental well-being but should complement—not replace—professional guidance when necessary. Prioritize their safety and emotional well-being above all else. SAFETY: When allowing your child to stay home alone,…

When people think of the world-famous city of Miami, family-friendly isn’t usually the first word that comes to mind. Images of nightclubs, scantily clad beachgoers and spring breakers gone wild dominate the media, and unfairly so. The city’s entertainment is as diverse as the population, and there are many activities for families to enjoy in this sun-drenched town. ✪ EDUCATIONAL AND INTERACTIVE EXPERIENCES For parents looking for an educational experience they can benefit from, the Philip and Patricia Frost Museum of Science checks all the boxes. Nearly every exhibit offers hands-on experiences and children learn through touch, smell and sight. One such exhibit, “MeLab,” teaches kids about health by using their own bodies to conduct experiments. The museum also boasts an aquarium and planetarium. The 250-seat Frost Planetarium is one…

Helping children develop empathy in the digital age is essential. Here are some practical tips for parents looking to raise empathic kids, on and offline. Promote Face-to-Face Interactions ✪ Prioritize real-life connections, as nothing can replace them. ✪ Encourage activities like team sports, group projects, or community service for natural empathy development. Set Purposeful Screen Time Limits ✪ Avoid mindless scrolling or excessive gaming. ✪ Guide children to use technology for educational purposes, social issue discussions or virtual volunteering. Lead by Example ✪ Model empathy by actively listening and showing kindness and respect both online and offline. ✪ Consistency in demonstrating these qualities nurtures empathy in children. The Role of Parents and Educators ✪ Parents should engage in open discussions with their children about technology’s emotional impact. ✪ Set screen…

In the world of social media, TikTok has taken center stage. The social media platform has captivated millions, especially the younger generation, creating aspirations to become a superstar. According to recent research by Bucknell-Bossen & Kottasz (2020), children as young as 11 years old are fame-seeking through the TikTok video-sharing platform. As a parent, being there for them, guiding them, and ensuring it is safe and enjoyable is essential. Below is your parent-focused guide to supporting your aspiring TikTok star: + Get TikTok Savvy: Dive into the world of TikTok with your child. Ask them to show you the ropes, watch some of their favorite videos, and try to create some content together. This not only connects you with your child but also helps you understand what they’re passionate about.…

We live a tech savvy world and our children are being brought up as digital natives with access to technology in unprecedented ways. The short-term impact of excessive technology use seems clear, but we still don’t know the long-term implications. Nonetheless, technology and the digital world are here to stay and we need to understand how to navigate this world to the best of our abilities. Established organizations like the American Pediatrics Association and the American Association on Child and Adolescent Psychiatry have offered time limit guidelines, a great starting point. However, “caregivers should also understand and apply various aspects of healthy tech use: time management, age-appropriate content, account types, access methods, online safety, tools for safety, digital respect, and the impact on the brain,” says Dr. Shefali Gandhi, a…

WHITE WINE, GOAT CHEESE, AND SPINACH PASTA Five ingredients plus salt are all you need when you have the tangy softness of goat cheese paired with the crispness of a white wine. It’s such a perfect sauce that it can work across a multitude of pasta shapes—so pick your favorite! It’s simplicity at its best and a pasta everyone will want seconds of. Ingredients 3 cups (750 mL/24 oz) water or broth (plus additional)2 cups (250 mL/16 oz) dry white wine Heavy dash of Kosher salt1 pound (454 g/16 oz) pasta (whatever shape you prefer)10 oz (280 g) spinach (frozen is fine if defrosted)8 oz (226 g) goat cheese Directions Put the water/broth and wine into a wide pot and bring to a boil. Add the salt and pasta and…