Dr. Curtis Cripe on Teaching Children About Parkinson's 

Talk to Children About Parkinson's with Dr. Curtis Cripe

It is natural for parents to want to protect their children from scary things in life. However, some experiences or encounters are unavoidable, such as a family member being diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. In this case, how can parents help children understand their relative or friend's condition and its impact on life?

Dr. Curtis Cripe of NTL Group believes that honesty is always the most important thing, especially when dealing with children.

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

It is important to use simple terms when discussing a diagnosis with children. Children should also be encouraged to ask questions. It is natural for children to ask if the diagnosis is fatal, as they might be scared. If you don't know how to answer sensitive questions like these, it is best to consult a counselor or doctor. Some therapists can help children of parents with diseases like Parkinson's, cancer, and the like, notes Dr. Curtis Cripe.

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. They may likely take on some chores and responsibilities that are apt for their age and abilities.  

Dr. Curtis Cripe says some books can help you learn about Parkinson's disease. One book is called "I'll Hold Your Hand So You Won't Fall: A Child's Guide to Parkinson's Disease" by Rasheda Ali Walsh. This book tells how Walsh explained the disease to her young sons when their "Poppy," boxing legend Muhammad Ali, had slurred speech. Parkinson's UK also has a series of children's books that teach kids about the condition and reassure them. Finally, there's Dr. Soania Mathur's "Shaky Hands – A Kid's Guide to Parkinson's Disease," which addresses children's questions about the disease, its treatment, and their experience.

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