MASK strives to help children learn invaluable life skills for how to cope with a number of issues.

In today’s viral and social media world, coping skills are more necessary than ever. MASK gives students tools for how to handle many issues, including responding to peer pressure, technology-related challenges, refusal skills, emotional regulation, frustration tolerance, self-esteem and setting boundaries. 

MASK teaches one student invaluable life skills to handle peer pressure, technology related challenges 

Today, suicide rates are at an all-time high and social media is influencing our children’s self-esteem in many ways. MASK programs teach children and their families how to handle the ever-changing landscape that our children are living in. MASK addresses the multi-faceted issues our children are facing, and its programs give our community the tools it needs to communicate with students about real-life pressures, and provide them with appropriate coping mechanisms. MASK programs have served children, their families, and the community for over a decade, with the goal of building healthy children, strengthening parent-child bonds and improving school climate. MASK positively impacts the lives of thousands of children and their families and empowers every child to thrive in the 21st century. 

MASK fulfills its mission by engaging, educating and empowering families through the MASK E3 Institute, MASK The Magazine, an informative website, and the MASKMatters App. Ongoing conversation on all of these topics needs to be integrated and part of today’s parenting plan. Here are some key topics to talk about and help your child with.

Drug 

There are many reasons a child may want to try drugs, often to escape or to fit-in. Exposing your kids to various positive hobbies and activities early-on will encourage them to seek purpose, creativity, and self-expression safely and healthily. Extracurriculars are a great way to develop outside interests and find fulfillment, as well as to relieve stress and anxiety that school and responsibilities may bring.

Tech

Helping kids find positive purpose starts with building a positive mentality. Kids do not always want to talk about what is going on in their lives, but it is still important that they express their emotions. Try having your kid use technology as a private diary once a week; it can be a helpful, modern way to let out frustrations and get excited about the positives with the comfort of privacy.

Safety

There are two ways to think of safety: physical and emotional. Both are equally as important, but emotional well-being is often forgotten. It is important to create a safe space for your kids, which means hearing out their emotions without judgment, as well as not unloading your own baggage on them. Having an open, empathetic ear encourages healthy venting, which does wonders for their mental health now and as they mature.

Bully

No parent wants their child to bully others, and there are ways to prevent this behavior. Setting a good example at home is a great first step. We sometimes judge others without even noticing, and our kids pick up on that. Remember to point out the positives in others and encourage being open with your feelings. Modeling good behavior inspires your kids to follow your lead.