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MASK (Mothers Awareness on School-Age Kids)
Event Calendar
SAVE THESE DATES
Our 2nd Annual "MASKer Aide Night Gala" is taking place Friday, October 1st, 2010
outside,
under the stars at the home of the MASK Founder and President. Hosts Kimberly and Rick Cabral will
graciously open their North Scottsdale home for the "MASKer Aide" event which will
include; live music, cocktails and hors d'oeurves, live and silent auctions and
special guests. For additional information click Gala.
Gold Fundraiser April 22nd
Come bring your gold/silver jewelry for CASH and 10% of proceeds goes to MASK.
Enjoy hors d'oeurves,wine, and chair massages.
RSVP
6:30-8pm MASK Office 8937 E. Bell Road Suite 202, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 Directions  |
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How to start the conversation
 Talking to your children about drugs & alcohol,
eating disorders, etc, can be very uncomfortable for most parents. Not knowing
how to bring it up, or at what age to start the conversation might delay the
conversation from ever being started. It is crucial for you as a parent to
establish communication with your child at an early age. You want them to be
aware and learn about these dangers from you. You do not want them to learn
about these dangers from the wrong people.
The
best place to begin guiding our kids in making decisions about Drugs &
Alcohol, or any other dangers is in the home. We believe in early education.
Your kids may know more than you think. Or they think they know. Establish a
clear understanding to them. Knowledge is power. Collect as much information as
you can to prepare yourself.
· Share
personal stories about someone you knew or know that has made unhealthy
choices. Being able to make it "REAL" to them.
· Family
Structure - Establish family rules & values. Let your child know what you
expect from them. Let them know how you feel about Drugs & Alcohol (or
whatever the subject you are discussing).
Getting kids to talk isn't always an easy task,
especially when it is uncomfortable. Giving kids an active role in conversation,
helps them feel that they are involved, and part of the discussion, rather than
just being told the information.
Tell
your child you have something important to talk to them about. Ask them when
would be a good time to talk, give them a choice either NOW or maybe after
dinner. This way when it is time to talk you have their full attention, and
they can't complain about not wanting to talk.
Here are a few ideas on how to start the
conversation.
Parents
say: "So have you heard about Myspace?"
"When
I was your age, kids were talking about sex, have you heard kids talking about
that?"
"Do
you know what I learned today?" (use this after going to one our MASK meetings,
or reading articles in newspapers about dangers, computer, news, talk shows).
TAKE
ADVANTAGE OF DOWN TIMES
When
you're driving with them in the car. As parents we spend so much time in the
car with our kids driving them to school & after school activities. It is a
great time to have their full attention, and they can't leave.
Talk
with your kids before bed. Kids talk more and with less resistance when they
are tired and relaxed.
The key is to TALK...TALK...TALK...make the time...it does make a difference.
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