Is this a true tic? Licking fingers...

[sahm]

Last post, sorry - I have a lot of questions!

 

He will lick his finger or palm or arm and usually be looking at me or look at me afterwards, maybe because the first time I noticed it I called him on it and asked what he was doing. He got all defensive and mad and said "I don't know..."

 

I just wonder about this one because it seems more intentional and I feel like I could change it somehow. Should I leave it alone? Discuss that is is germy, and call it to his attention when he is doing it subconsciously? Have a reward system for when he doesn't do it? Am I crazy? For some reason blinking seems more unintentional then licking your finger or hand...

 

Thanks again!

[Chemar]

licking is a recognized tic

 

calling out a tic can cause it to intensify.

especially with children, they should never be made to feel they are doing something "wrong" when they tic, as tics are involuntary and it becomes majorly stressful when they feel they have to control a tic because it is upsetting someone else

 

there are ways to gently help with socially unacceptable tics, or ones that can cause harm. cognitive behavioral therapy can assist with this