Why Does My Child Keep Blinking, Sniffing, or Making Other Sounds or Movements?
One day you notice your child blinking constantly. Then it is sniffing. Or throat clearing. Or a shoulder shrug. Before long, you cannot stop noticing it, and you are left wondering what is causing it and whether it is something they can control.
You may find yourself asking, “What is going on?”
You may have even asked your child to stop because the behavior is becoming frustrating or distracting.
And they may have responded with:
“I don’t know.”
Or:
“I can’t help it.”
As frustrating as those answers can be, your child may be telling the truth.
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 can happen frequently throughout the day or come and go over time.
Tics generally fall into two categories:
- Motor tics – movements involving the body.
- Vocal tics – sounds made with the voice, throat, nose, or mouth.
Common Motor Tics
- Eye blinking
- Facial movements or grimacing
- Head jerking
- Shoulder shrugging
- Arm or hand movements
- Body twisting or tightening
Common Vocal Tics
- Sniffing
- Throat clearing
- Coughing sounds
- Grunting
- Humming or other noises
- Repeating certain sounds or words
Many parents are surprised to learn that tics do not always look dramatic. Popular portrayals often create the impression that tic disorders involve constant shouting or highly noticeable behaviors.
In reality, many tics are subtle and easily mistaken for allergies, nervous habits, attention-seeking behavior, or simple quirks. Some are so mild that teachers, relatives, and even healthcare providers may not immediately recognize them as tics.
Why Is My Child Doing It?
This is where things can become confusing for parents.
Many children with tics describe feeling an uncomfortable urge, pressure, tension, itch-like sensation, or feeling that something is not quite right before the tic occurs.
Performing the tic often provides temporary relief from that sensation.
For this reason, tics are not typically something children are choosing to do. Rather, they are responding to an internal urge that can feel difficult to ignore.
That is why simply telling a child to stop often does not work and can unintentionally create shame or frustration.
A useful comparison is a sneeze. Most people can delay a sneeze briefly if necessary, but eventually the urge becomes too strong to suppress.
Similarly, many children can sometimes hold back a tic for short periods of time.
Can they suppress it temporarily?
Maybe.
Can they stop indefinitely through willpower alone?
Usually not.
Why Do Tics Seem Worse During Stressful Times?
One of the most common observations parents make is that their child's tics appear to increase during periods of stress.
In many cases, that observation is accurate.
Tics can become more noticeable when a child is experiencing:
- Stress or anxiety
- Excitement
- Fatigue or lack of sleep
- Illness
- Changes in routine
- Major life transitions
- Increased academic or social pressure
Parents are often surprised to learn that positive excitement can increase tics just as much as stress. A birthday party, holiday, sporting event, or special family trip can sometimes lead to an increase in tic frequency.
Another important consideration is attention. Frequently pointing out a tic or repeatedly asking a child to stop can sometimes make the tic more noticeable.
When children become hyper-aware of the urge, they may experience increased tension, which can unintentionally strengthen the cycle.
Is It a Tic or Just a Habit?
This can be difficult for parents to determine on their own.
While some behaviors may look similar on the surface, habits and tics often function differently.
Habits Often:
- Serve a specific purpose or goal.
- Respond relatively well to reminders and prompts.
- Can be modified more easily with support and practice.
Tics Often:
- Are preceded by a strong internal urge or sensation.
- Feel involuntary or difficult to resist.
- Persist despite repeated reminders to stop.
- May increase when a child is stressed or focused on suppressing them.
Because there can be overlap between habits, repetitive behaviors, and tics, a professional evaluation can often help clarify what is happening and whether any treatment is recommended.
Should I Be Worried?
Not necessarily.
Many children experience tics at some point during childhood. In fact, temporary tics are relatively common and often improve over time.
However, it may be helpful to consult a professional if:
- The tics are causing your child significant distress.
- The tics are interfering with school, friendships, or daily activities.
- Your child is becoming self-conscious or avoiding situations because of the tics.
- You have questions about what you are observing.
- You would like guidance on how to best support your child.
An evaluation can help determine whether the behavior is consistent with a tic disorder and whether treatment or additional support may be beneficial.
How Can Parents Help?
One of the most helpful things parents can do is respond with curiosity rather than criticism.
Children with tics are often already aware that something unusual is happening. They may feel embarrassed, frustrated, or confused by their own experiences.
Supportive responses can include:
- Remaining calm when tics occur.
- Avoiding excessive attention or criticism.
- Providing reassurance when your child feels self-conscious.
- Helping your child manage stress and maintain healthy routines.
- Seeking professional guidance when needed.
Creating an environment where your child feels understood can go a long way toward reducing anxiety and building confidence.
The Bottom Line
The most important thing to remember is this:
Your child is probably not doing this to annoy you.
And they are likely just as confused by the experience as you are.
Understanding what is happening is often the first step toward helping your child feel supported, confident, and less alone.
If you have concerns about your child's movements or sounds, speaking with a professional who specializes in tic disorders can help provide answers, guidance, and peace of mind.
Written by Ashley Annestedt, LCSW
Ashley specializes in OCD, Tic disorders, BFRBs and PANDAS/PANS and has treated thousands of individuals over nearly 20 years.