Tics aren't dangerous, but they can be confusing.

One day your child won't stop blinking. A few weeks later it's sniffing. Then throat clearing. Maybe a shoulder shrug.

Suddenly you're noticing it all the time and wondering:

• Is something wrong?
• Can they control it?
• Should I tell them to stop?

If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. One possible explanation is that your child is experiencing tics.

What Are Tics?

Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that a person experiences as difficult to resist. They may occur many times throughout the day, become less noticeable for a while, or change over time.

Tics generally fall into two categories:

Motor tics involve movements of the body, while vocal tics involve sounds made with the throat, nose, mouth, or voice.

Common motor tics include:

• Eye blinking
• Facial movements
• Head jerking
• Shoulder shrugging

Common vocal tics include:

• Sniffing
• Throat clearing
• Coughing
• Grunting or humming

Many parents are surprised to learn that tics are often subtle. They can easily be mistaken for allergies, nervous habits, or simple quirks rather than a tic disorder.

Why Is My Child Doing It?

Most children with tics describe an uncomfortable urge before the tic happens—almost like needing to sneeze or scratch an itch.

Performing the tic briefly relieves that feeling.

That's why telling a child to "just stop" usually doesn't work. While many children can suppress a tic for short periods, it often takes tremendous effort, and eventually the urge becomes too strong to ignore.

One Thing Most Parents Are Surprised to Learn

Many children suppress their tics throughout the school day.

By the time they get home, they're mentally exhausted.

Home feels safe.

So when parents tell us, "School says they hardly ever do it, but it's constant once they're home," our response is usually the same:

That's actually something we hear all the time.

The increase in tics at home doesn't necessarily mean they're getting worse. It often means your child finally feels comfortable enough to stop suppressing them.

Why Do Tics Seem Worse During Stress?

Stress doesn't cause tics, but it can make them more noticeable.

Parents commonly notice an increase during periods of:

• Stress or anxiety
• Excitement
• Fatigue
• Illness

Even positive events like birthdays, vacations, or holidays can temporarily increase tic frequency.

Repeatedly pointing out a child's tics or asking them to stop can also make them more noticeable by increasing the child's awareness of the urge.

Should I Be Worried?

Not necessarily.

Temporary tics are common during childhood, and many improve over time.

However, it may be helpful to seek an evaluation if:

• Your child is distressed by the tics.
• The tics are interfering with school, friendships, or daily life.
• Your child is avoiding activities because of the tics.
• You're unsure what you're seeing or would like guidance.

A specialist can help determine whether your child's behaviors are consistent with a tic disorder and whether treatment such as CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics) may be helpful.

How Can Parents Help?

One of the most helpful things parents can do is respond with curiosity rather than criticism.

• Remain calm when tics occur.
• Avoid repeatedly pointing them out.
• Offer reassurance if your child feels embarrassed.
• Support healthy sleep, routines, and stress management.
• Seek specialized guidance if the tics begin interfering with daily life.

One Last Thing...

If there's one thing I hope every parent takes away from this article, it's this:

Your child isn't doing this on purpose.

They're not trying to be difficult.

They're not trying to get attention.

And neither you nor your child caused this.

Understanding what's happening is often the first step toward helping your child feel less anxious—and helping you feel more confident about what to do next.

Looking for specialized treatment for tic disorders?

Learn more about our evidence-based treatment for tic disorders, including Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) for children, adolescents, and adults.

Written by Ashley Annestedt, LCSW

Ashley specializes in OCD, Tourette syndrome, tic disorders, skin picking disorder, trichotillomania, and PANDAS/PANS using evidence-based treatments including ERP, I-CBT, ACT, CBIT, and ComB. For nearly 20 years, she has helped thousands of children, adolescents, adults, and families better understand these conditions and regain confidence in their daily lives.