Tuesday, June 6, 2023

Dr. Curtis Cripe on Kids Learning About Parkinson's

Dr. Curtis Cripe: Make Children Aware of Parkinson's

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As parents, our first instinct is to shield our children from anything that might cause emotional distress. It's only natural to want to protect our little ones from the world's harsh realities. But sometimes, life throws us unexpected curveballs that we can't avoid. It might be a difficult diagnosis for a family member, like Parkinson's, that we can't keep hidden from our children.

While it might be uncomfortable for them to hear about these things, it's important to remember that kiddos are quite resilient. They have an amazing capacity to understand complex situations, and it's our job to help them healthily process the information. Though we might want to shield them from the difficult things, it's ultimately better to approach these situations honestly and openly. After all, knowledge is power, and having the right information can help children feel more in control and better equipped to handle any challenges the future might bring.


Teaching children about sensitive issues like honesty can be daunting, but Dr. Curtis Cripe of NTL Group believes it is paramount. A child's ability to understand and practice honesty can shape their future relationships, trustworthiness, and decision-making abilities.

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He has always stressed the importance of being truthful and transparent in personal interactions and our professional lives. As a parent or educator, it is crucial to instill these values in children, creating a foundation of respect and integrity for them to build upon. Dr. Cripe's dedication to honesty and integrity is a positive example for children and adults.

Parkinson's will change their daily lives, especially if the patient lives in the same home. In these cases, children should learn everything they can about the diagnosis to adjust and maybe even help.

Depending on the age of the children, this should be done using simple terms, as appropriate.

Kids should also be encouraged to ask questions, says Dr. Curtis Cripe. For example, it's natural for children to ask if the diagnosis is fatal as they might be scared. However, it's best to consult a counselor or doctor if parents don't know how to answer sensitive questions like these. Some therapists can help children of parents with diseases like Parkinson's and cancer.

Children should also understand how they can help the patient and the rest of the family following a member's diagnosis. The illness can affect the whole family. It means that children will also have to make adjustments to their lifestyles. For example, they may take on appropriate chores and responsibilities for their age and abilities.

Additionally, Dr. Curtis Cripe says that there are some books like "I'll Hold Your Hand So You Won't Fall: A Child's Guide to Parkinson's Disease" by Rasheda Ali Walsh and Dr. Soania Mathur's "Shaky Hands – A Kid's Guide to Parkinson's Disease," which may be of great help in making children aware of Parkinson's.

For more insights from NTL Group's Dr. Curtis Cripe, click on this link.