MASK PRESS RELEASE

From:  Michelle Cardini (michelle@maskmatters.org)

Date: November 28th, 2012

MASK EXAMINES IDENTITY AND STEREOTYPES IN LATEST ISSUE OF MASK THE MAGAZINE

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - How can we help our children find their place among the prevalent stereotypes that exist today? If your son prefers the debate team to a sports team, should that have an impact on how he is viewed by his peers? The answer, of course, is no. But the reality is that, too often, what a person does or enjoys is how they will be defined. The latest issue of MASK The Magazine: The Identity Issue: "I'm Not a Ball or a Beauty Queen", teaches parents how to help their child navigate the maze of identity and stereotypes.

The feature story identifies the many pitfalls associated with labels and stereotypes. According to Madeline Levine, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist in Kentfield, Calif., "Part of the task of adolescence is to develop an identity." However, in today's label-conscious society, it can be a challenge to help bolster our kids' self-esteem. 

Arizona Cardinals Quarterback Kevin Kolb is the contributing writer for the "Dad Dialed In" section. He recounts how his childhood label of "football coach's son" was difficult, but helped him later in life. Kolb's foundation, Pass It 4Ward, is dedicated to supporting children affected by serious illness and their families.

The winter "SAT Section" (Student Awareness Tools) was written by Pinnacle High School students, and highlights how labels can be unfair and misleading. Learn about Rancho Solano Preparatory School's unique "Erase & Replace" program, an innovative new approach to addressing and preventing bullying.

The "Mom's Agenda" offers suggestions on how to save money and prioritize during the busy holiday season, and the "Meals That Matter" section encourages us to keep family food traditions alive. In the "Final Exam" section, a young male dancer shares the story of how he found his life's passion, and his struggle to overcome the stereotypical label that was placed on him because of his love for dance.

From five ways to teach your kids to manage money, to MASK's quarterly need-to-know tips on safety, drugs, technology, and bullying, this issue of MASK The Magazine shines a spotlight on the many labels that exist in our kids' world, and gives tools to help build their self-esteem. The winter issue is currently available at maskmatters.org and at Changing Hands Bookstore in Tempe, Arizona.

ABOUT MASK

MASK (Mothers Awareness on School-age Kids) is a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) organization created in 2007 by a group of dedicated mothers in Arizona who recognized the need to consistently educate parents and children on rapidly changing issues. MASK's mission is to educate both parents and children about the issues facing our youth and to empower children to make safe, healthy choices. MASK offers a variety of programs and presentations from Self Esteem- to substance abuse. MASK seeks to engage, educate and empower families. 

ABOUT MASK THE MAGAZINE

MASK The Magazine provides parenting solutions for today's families. To date, the magazine has reached over 5,000,000 people through print and digital versions since its launch in February of 2011. Published four times a year, MASK The Magazine tackles important subjects including Bullying, Current Drug Trends, Body Image & Self-Esteem, and Internet & Technology Safety. All topics are formatted in easy-to-read, age-appropriate sections, from kindergarten to college. Through compelling stories, expert information and resourceful tips and suggestions, each issue highlights some of the challenges facing children and families today, and provides valuable, age-appropriate prevention tactics and conversation starters. Visit www.maskmatters.org to subscribe.

CONTACT

Michelle Cardini

Co-Founder/Marketing Director

E-mail:  michelle@maskmatters.org

Phone: 480-502-5337