A tic in children is a sudden repeated movement or sound (like eye blinking or throat clearing) that your child can’t fully control. Most tics get worse with stress, anxiety, fatigue, and poor sleep, and they are not “attention seeking.” What you should do: don’t call it out, protect sleep, reduce pressure, and keep a stable routine. If tics affect school, daily function, or confidence, CBIT/HRT behavior therapy is an evidence-based option, and medication is reserved for selected cases. Book: Be