Development and beyond: Helping children face the pandemic

Dr. Curtis Cripe and NTL Group have done considerable work with children with developmental issues and have helped countless families in the process. However, Dr. Cripe admits that today, because of the global health crisis, families face an entirely new challenge.

For today’s blog, Dr. Curtis Cripe provides an important public service. He shares a few ways in which parents can help their children both mentally and emotionally by expanding their understanding of the coronavirus pandemic and the situation everyone is in.

Parents should explain that everyone is having a hard time as well.

When children know that everyone else can’t go to places like the mall or playgrounds or fast food joints, they’ll begin to understand the gravity of the situation. Acknowledging that these are challenging times should be one of the first things parents should do. But along with this, parents should also reassure their children that the pandemic will pass and that the world will be safe again. Also, telling kids that they can help keep people safe by staying home will give children a sense of purpose.

Parents should keep children busy by establishing a routine at home.

Much like in adults, keeping children’s minds and bodies active is an excellent way of lowering their stress levels, Dr. Curtis Cripe explains. When children have nothing to do, feelings of boredom or anxiety can creep in. A good balance of study and playtime will be more than effective. It is also highly recommended that parents join in on the activities of their children, such as doing chores or role-playing.

Curtis Cripe, Ph.D. heads research and development at the NTL Group, which employs neuroengineering technology that repairs brain dysfunction to treat a myriad of diseases and disorders. For more articles on cognitive health, visit this blog.

The extreme importance of checking in on children

Image source: ucsf.edu

One of the biggest mistakes that parents have been known to make is to stay ignorant of what their children are going through. The misconception that children will be all right if they get to do what they want, play when they can, and have friends has led to some catastrophic and tragic consequences.

Dr. Curtis Cripe wants parents to know that if their children exhibit signs and symptoms of any neurological disorder or delay, they should see medical and mental health professionals. Dr. Cripe also mentions that to know if children are struggling with a particular disorder, parents need to check upon them.

Image source: peaandthepodchiropractic.com

Therein lies the extreme importance of checking in on children. Parents, especially those who are too busy with work, have to understand that there are times when children are mum about how they feel. What happens is whatever condition they have, it has worsened over time because of the lack of treatment. And as Dr. Curtis Cripe mentions, when it comes to neurological problems in children, or anyone for that matter, time of intervention is key; earlier is always better.

Dr. Curtis Cripe also explains that checking in on children establishes the bond between parents and their offspring, which flourishes over time. And over time, whenever their kids have issues, whether mentally, emotionally, or physically, parents can be confident that they’ll be the first people their children will approach.

Dr. Curtis Cripe is the head of research and development at the NTL Group, which specializes in the development of brain-based technology for healing and repairing neurological dysfunctions. For more articles on developmental delays and other neurological conditions, visit this page.

First eight years of life critical in preventing substance abuse

Studies suggest that the vast majority of people who become addicted to alcohol, tobacco, and drug usually had their first taste of the bad stuff when they were young – in fact very, very young. In recent decades, substance abuse has even become more prevalent among pre-teen children, showing the sad reality that no child is safe from an epidemic of addiction. 

Image source: Pixabay.com 

Now it appears that different factors affect a child’s self-control and overall mental health from pregnancy through the eighth year of life, according to an online guide on early childhood interventions launched by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) in March 2016. While substance abuse usually begins during teenage years, it has existing biological, psychological, social, as well as environmental roots that start even prior to birth. 

“We now know that early intervention can set the stage for more positive self-regulation as children prepare for their school years,” said NIDA director Dr. Nora D. Volkow in a media release announcing the launch of “Principles of Substance Abuse Prevention for Early Childhood,” which tackles major influences on early development issues such as lacking school readiness skills and uncontrolled aggression. 

It is deemed crucial to understand what draws kids to drugs, and be armed with basic information about the substances that currently prevail in their neighborhood. It is also important to be cognizant of the signs that a drug problem might be taking root in the home. 

Image source: Pixabay.com 

Dr. Curtis Cripe was the founder of the Crossroads Institute, which formulated neuroengineering programs to diagnose and treat a wide array of neurological dysfunctions, including addiction and learning disorders. Learn more on this page.