Daily Habits That Could Be Affecting Your Child’s Tics
In my clinical practice, I often meet parents who are worried about their child’s tics.
One of the most common questions they ask is whether everyday activities might be making the tics worse.
While each child’s experience with tics is unique, I’ve observed certain patterns that can influence their frequency and intensity. Understanding these patterns can help you support your child more effectively.
Understanding the Impact of Stress
When I work with families, I often notice that periods of increased stress coincide with more frequent tics.
School pressures, busy schedules, and social demands can all contribute to this stress.
In my experience, children who are overloaded with activities often show an increase in their tics, especially during high-pressure periods like exam times.
Creating a Balanced Schedule
Consider your child’s weekly routine:
- Are they rushing from one activity to another?
- Do they have enough downtime?
- Is homework causing excessive worry?
Sometimes, simply creating more space in their schedule can make a significant difference.
The Role of Screen Time
Screen use is something I discuss frequently with families. While we can’t (and shouldn’t) eliminate screens completely, I’ve noticed in my clinical work that excessive screen time often correlates with increased tic frequency.
This is particularly true when children are engaged in high-intensity gaming or watching fast-paced content.
Finding the Right Balance
Rather than implementing strict bans, which can create additional stress, I recommend:
- Regular screen breaks
- Calming activities between screen sessions
- Technology-free periods, especially before bedtime
- Alternative activities that your child enjoys
Sleep Patterns and Tics
Poor sleep is one of the most common factors I see affecting tic frequency. Many children show more pronounced tics when they’re tired.
Creating a consistent, calming bedtime routine can make a remarkable difference to quantity and quality of sleep.
Establishing Healthy Sleep Habits
I often suggest:
- A set bedtime and wake-up time
- A quiet, screen-free hour before sleep
- Comfortable bedroom temperature
- Reduced lighting in the evening
- Calming bedtime activities like reading or gentle stretching
Creating a Supportive Home Environment
In my clinical work, I’ve noticed how crucial it is for children to have a safe space where they can express their tics freely.
Many children work hard to suppress their tics during the school day or in social situations, which can be exhausting. Your home needs to be a place where they can release this tension without fear of judgment or criticism.
Let me share two examples that illustrate why this is so important:
Isla
Isla (not her real name), age 11, had a vocal tic that sounded like a quiet cough. She managed to suppress it quite well at school, but by the time she got home, she was mentally exhausted from the effort.
Her family initially tried to help by reminding her to “stop coughing” or suggesting throat lozenges, not realising these comments made her more self-conscious and actually increased her tics.
When they learned to create a more accepting environment, allowing her to express her tics freely at home, they noticed she became more relaxed overall and, interestingly, her tics naturally began to reduce.
Tom
Tom (not his real name), age 9, developed a motor tic involving a shoulder movement. His parents noticed it became much more pronounced after play dates and cub scouts, where he tried hard to control it.
They created a special “relaxation time” when he got home – 30 minutes where he could go to his room or sit quietly in the living room, free to tic without anyone commenting or paying attention. This simple strategy helped him manage the transition between holding tics in and being able to release them safely.
Creating a Safe Space for Tic Expression
I encourage families to:
- Acknowledge that home is a place where tics are allowed
- Ensure all family members (including grandparents and visiting relatives) understand not to comment on or draw attention to tics
- Never shame or punish a child for their tics
- Avoid giving attention to new or different tics but make sure you are open to chatting about it with your child if they want to
- Create private spaces where children can freely express suppressed tics
- Remember that increased tics after school or activities are normal – your child may have been holding them in
Managing the Physical Environment
Beyond emotional support, consider:
- Noise levels
- General organisation
- Consistent family routines
- Calm spaces where children can retreat when needed
- Reducing known environmental triggers (if any have been identified)
It’s particularly important that all adults in the household are on the same page about this accepting approach.
Sometimes, a child’s tics might feel challenging for family members, but expressing frustration or asking them to stop can increase anxiety and, consequently, make tics worse.
TAKE THE QUIZ!
Physical Activity and Movement
Regular physical activity can be incredibly beneficial for children with tics, research by the University of Florida has shown.
However, it’s important to find the right type and intensity of exercise for your child.
It doesn’t matter if your child doesn’t consider themselves sporty or co-ordinated. Movement is for everyone. There is a physical activity out there that’s right for them; it’s just a question of discovering it!
Finding the Right Activities
Look for:
- Activities your child genuinely enjoys, but they don’t have to be organised sports or clubs.
- Sports or exercises that help them feel calm and focused
- Regular movement breaks throughout the day
- A balance between active and quiet times
Supporting Your Child at School
School can be particularly challenging for children with tics.
I work closely with families to ensure good communication between home and school. Teachers who understand your child’s needs can make a huge difference to their school experience.
Working with Teachers
Discuss with the school:
- Your child’s specific challenges
- Helpful strategies that work at home
- Ways to handle peer reactions
- Accommodations during high-stress periods like tests
When to Seek Additional Support
While many tics will naturally wax and wane, there are times when professional support can be helpful.
Consider reaching out to a clinical psychologist or your GP if:
- Tics are causing significant distress
- Your child is struggling to cope at school
- You notice a sudden increase in tic frequency or severity
- Your child develops new types of tics
- Family life is being significantly impacted
Building Your Child’s Confidence
One of the most important things I work on with families is helping children maintain their self-esteem.
Tics don’t define your child – they’re just one small part of who they are.
Supporting Self-Expression
Encourage your child to:
- Pursue their interests and talents
- Talk openly about their experiences if they want to
- Connect with other children who have similar experiences
- Develop strategies that work for them
Looking Forward
Remember that many children’s tics often naturally reduce over time.
Focus on creating a supportive environment where your child can thrive, regardless of their tics.
If you’re concerned about your child’s tics, support is available through your GP or child mental health services.
Related Articles
Making Sense of Your Child’s Tics: A Guide for Parents
School Stress: 5 Effective Ways to Support Your Child
Stress in Children: Powerful Action Steps for Parents [+ Free PDF Guide]
How to Calm a Child’s Nervous System: Anger, Stress and Panic
Dr Lucy Russell is a UK clinical psychologist who works with children and families. Her work involves both therapeutic support and autism assessments. She is the Clinical Director of Everlief Child Psychology, and also worked in the National Health Service for many years.
In 2019 Lucy launched They Are The Future, a support website for parents of school-aged children. Through TATF Lucy is passionate about giving practical, manageable strategies to parents and children who may otherwise struggle to find the support they need.
Lucy is a mum to two teenage children. She lives in Buckinghamshire with her husband, children, rescue dog and three rescue cats. She enjoys caravanning and outdoor living, singing and musical theatre.
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