MASK The Magazine Fall 2024

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…

As we discuss college readiness in this issue, it’s important not to overlook the many children who choose different paths. Preparing our kids for college means equipping them with the tools, skills and knowledge to thrive. However, those same skills are just as essential in preparing them for an adult life that doesn’t start on a college campus. Sometimes, as parents, we focus more on what kids should be doing rather than what they need to be doing. By “need,” I mean what nourishes them inside, what makes them tick, what they are passionate about and what brings them joy. My hope for my children has always been that they will find what fuels them and align that with a career that can support them. Not everyone goes to college,…

Teaching children self-care from a young age is crucial for their overall development and well-being, leading to healthier choices and a balanced lifestyle. Self-care encompasses a range of activities that promote physical, mental and emotional health. For children, this includes hygiene practices, physical activity, mental relaxation techniques and social interactions. Each aspect of self-care is vital for their growth and can be integrated into their daily routines with guidance from trusted adults. ★ Physical Self-Care: Maintaining good hygiene is a fundamental aspect of self-care. Teaching children to brush their teeth, wash their hands, and bathe regularly contributes to their health. Encouraging a balanced diet and regular exercise fosters a healthy lifestyle. Activities like sports, dancing, or even tag help develop motor skills and release energy, ensuring children learn to care…

1 Communication Skills: Effective communication skills, including active listening, clear expression, assertiveness and understanding nonverbal cues, are essential for successful relationships. 2 Problem-Solving Skills: Equipping children with problem-solving skills encourages them to identify challenges, analyze outcomes, explore solutions and make decisions, fostering resilience and adaptability. 3 Critical Thinking Skills: Teaching children to think critically involves helping them question, evaluate and synthesize information, enabling informed decisions and independent thinking. 4 Self-Management Skills: Instilling self-management skills like time management, organization, and goal setting empowers children to prioritize tasks, manage their time, and achieve personal and academic goals. 5 Interpersonal Skills: Developing interpersonal skills such as empathy, emotional literacy, cooperation and conflict resolution helps children navigate social interactions, build positive relationships, and collaborate effectively, promoting social competence. {DID YOU KNOW?} A shockingly large share of graduating high school…

TECH: Encourage your children to use educational apps and online platforms, such as Khan Academy or Quizlet, to supplement their schoolwork and prepare for college-level courses. Additionally, teach them how to use productivity tools like digital calendars or planners to manage their time and assignments effectively—skills that will be invaluable in college. DRUG: Share real-life stories and statistics on how drug use affects college students’ lives and academics. Discuss pressures they might face and how to handle drug or alcohol situations. Ensure your child knows about campus resources for help and equip them with refusal skills and strategies to make healthy choices. BULLYING: Discuss the reality that bullying can continue into adulthood, including in college settings where it may become more subtle or manifest as social exclusion or academic sabotage.…

Every time there’s a significant shift against the tobacco industry, a new trend emerges among young adults. While cigarette use has declined since the 1960s, alternative products have risen in popularity, many of which are equally or more addictive. One such product is oral nicotine pouches, with ZYN being the most popular brand in the U.S., alongside competitors like On! and Velo. These pouches contain pure nicotine powder and serve as an alternative to traditional dip, allowing users to place them between the gums and lips—earning the nickname “lip pillow.” Unlike dip, which requires spitting, it’s safe to swallow saliva while using nicotine pouches, making them appealing to teens who want discretion. The rise of flavored nicotine pouches mirrors the popularity of flavored vapes, with flavors like peppermint and citrus…