MASK The Magazine Summer 2018

Cycles are funny: They circle around and around until we stop them…or not. As parents, we do the best we can with what we’ve learned. We either model what was taught or we make changes as we see fit. As a society, we know more today and have access to learn, grow and pass down healthier ways for our children. It is our choice to do that. We all have had hiccups and hang-ups from life’s journey that can keep us in a victim state, and unknowingly pass that thinking down to our children. But that is also a choice. “…as a mother, what actions, attitudes and words am I passing down to my “generation next”? Only they can answer that, but I will continue to strive to do my best, love…

MASK (Mothers Awareness on School-age Kids) is a nonprofit 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 fulfills its mission by engaging, educating and empowering families through the MASK E3 Institute, MASK The Magazine and our vastly informative website. The MASK E3 Institute is a comprehensive year long multi-year approach to building and strengthening life skills for children, including MASK Storytime (Pre-K), MASK Academy (kindergarten to 6th grade), MASK Prep (middle and high school), MASK Leadership (college) and Parent University. Through these platforms MASK aims to build healthy children,…

HELD AT THE MASK OFFICE $99 A THREE CONSECUTIVE LESSONS INCLUDES A ONE-YEAR SUBSCRIPTION TO MASK THE MAGAZINE $35 A SINGLE LESSON INCLUDES ONE ISSUE OF MASK THE MAGAZINE ⋆ Diapers to Decisions The evolution of parenting and seven key parenting principles to incorporate ⋆ Digital Deception Living in today’s digital era and navigating your child through the Internet waves. Learn how to prepare and protect your child for today’s digital reality. ⋆ Prescription 4 Prevention The gateway effect - how entry drugs can lead to abuse and how to help them avoid taking the first step. These 1-1/2 hour lessons offer parenting solutions for today’s families. MASK tackles important topics—from drugs and alcohol, to bullying and Internet safety—and gives parents and the community the knowledge and tools to manage potential challenges. We want to help you and your…

When life is stressful, finding a way to unwind is crucial. Grounding (or earthing) is a new method of reconnecting with the earth while possibly seeing some incredible side effects. Essentially, grounding is the practice of placing your bare feet on the earth’s natural surfaces. The contact is said to allow the earth’s natural electrons into your body, which flow through ground, such as grass, soil and sand. After doing this for half an hour or more, the electrons are purported to reduce pain, stress and inflammation, as well as improve sleep quality, energy levels and blood flow. Throughout time, humans have had plenty of contact with the bare ground through farming and everyday life. As our society became more advanced, we lost much of that contact and, instead, are exposed to…

Anyone who’s tried to break a bad habit will tell you, it isn’t easy. Any type of habit literally becomes hard wired into our brains. The good news? The same brain functions that create bad habits, can help us to establish good ones. Dr. Randy Brazie, chief medical officer at Terros Health, offers these five ways to help break bad habits and establish good ones. 1 PRACTICE. Florida State University psychologist Roy Baumeister, who has studied decision-making and will power, says regularly practicing self-control can strengthen your resolve and help you develop newer, better habits. Tip: Tell yourself you’ll only eat three cookies, rather than the whole bag. If you follow through, reward yourself with a trip to the movies or a new pair of shoes. 2 AWARENESS. Sometimes the hardest part…

DRUG While a glass or two of wine at dinner may not put you over the legal limit, drinking and driving is still dangerous and can show your kids they can do it, too. Teach your children and teens safe and sound habits by avoiding drinking—even in small amounts—when you go out or have a safe plan for a ride home. Be sure to talk to them about the dangers of drunk driving. TECH Social media is a fun way to interact for kids and parents alike, but did you know what you post can affect your child’s own social media habits? Think about it: If your child sees you post mean comments or inappropriate pictures, they will think that behavior is okay. Parents are role models, so post appropriate content and talk…