Why is My Child Blinking and Sniffing So Much? Is it a Tic or a Habit?
You noticed a blink that stayed a little too long. Or maybe it was a shoulder shrug, a sniffle that isn't a cold, or a sudden throat clear. If you are like most parents, that first moment of realization brings a flood of questions rather than answers. You find yourself watching your child across the dinner table or in the rearview mirror, trying to decide if you should say something or stay quiet, and wondering if what you’re seeing is just a passing phase or something more.
You start wondering: Is this just a habit? Is it a tic? Is it Tourette’s? What do I do?
As a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in tic disorders—and as someone who has navigated the world of tics personally and as a parent—I want to share some clarity. You didn’t cause this, and your child isn't doing this on purpose. In this guide, we’re going to look at what is actually happening when your child starts ticcing, how to handle the initial "watchful waiting" period, and when it’s time to seek a professional support.
Is it a Habit or a Tic?
It can be incredibly difficult to tell the difference at first. Habits are usually things a child does consciously or out of boredom, such as biting their nails or twisting their hair. Ticcing, however, is driven by a neurological urge. Many children describe it as a tingle or a build-up of pressure that only goes away once the movement is made.
If you notice the movements are repetitive, involuntary, and seem to occur more frequently when your child is stressed, tired, or even relaxing after a long day at school, you are likely looking at a tic.
Common early symptoms often look like:
Excessive eye blinking or squinting (often mistaken for vision issues).
Persistent sniffing or throat clearing (often mistaken for allergies).
Shoulder shrugging or head jerking.
Nose scrunching or facial grimacing.
The Role of Watchful Waiting
In the early stages of ticcing, many pediatricians and specialists recommend a period of watchful waiting. This is because many tics are provisional, meaning they may appear for a few months and then resolve on their own as the child's nervous system matures.
During this time, the best approach is to be mindful of the tics while avoiding drawing negative attention to the child’s movements. This balanced approach allows you to stay present and supportive without increasing your child's self-consciousness or anxiety about their body. It is a time to gather data and observe how these movements impact your child’s daily life, rather than reacting to every individual movement.
When Is It Time to Move Beyond Waiting?
While many tics do fade, you don't need to wait for a severe diagnosis to get professional insight. In my practice, I suggest looking for these three signs that it's time for a deeper look:
Physical Discomfort: Is the ticcing causing neck pain, headaches, or physical exhaustion?
Emotional Impact: Is your child feeling frustrated, "stuck," or asking why their body is doing these things?
Social Interference: Is it affecting their focus at school or causing them to withdraw from social activities?
Behavioral Therapy: A Proactive Tool
The good news is that we have highly effective, evidence-based ways to help. Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) is the gold standard for management. It helps children recognize that internal urge and provides them with a specific strategy to manage it. Instead of feeling like their body is out of their control, they learn tools to regain confidence.
Next Steps for Texas Parents
If you are watching your child navigate new ticcing behaviors, you don't have to carry the uncertainty alone. Whether you are still in that watchful waiting phase or are ready to explore behavioral intervention, having a specialist who understands the neurological blueprint of tics makes all the difference.
I provide specialized support for families throughout the state of Texas via telehealth and in my Boerne office. If you're ready to move from questions to a clear plan of action, you can Schedule a Free Consultation via my Blueprint Therapy Services contact page to discuss how we can support your child's journey.