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Children's health

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Original poster

Excessive blinking

6 replies

MamOfTwo · 13/09/2019 11:28

My DD (11) has started blinking excessively. She has just started Y7 so big changes afoot. Could it be due to extreme tiredness/anxiety? She had a recent eye test and all fine (she doesn't wear glasses). Wondering if I should take her to the GP or the opticians if it doesn't settle?

OP posts:

Are your children’s vaccines up to date?

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Herocomplex · 13/09/2019 11:32

Is she aware of it? Have you noticed any signs of anxiety?

Herocomplex · 13/09/2019 11:38

I think new year 7’s run on a lot of adrenaline initially, they need a bit of decompression time. Any chance you can sit down quietly with a drink and a snack together? I found even five minutes helped my three just to unload a bit, with the proviso that I only offered advice when they asked!

Thebookswereherfriends · 13/09/2019 11:43

I recently had this with my 6 yr old, she suddenly started blinking a lot and if I asked why she just said they felt uncomfortable. I ended up taking her to the optician who said they were fine and it was a habit. She very nicely told my daughter that she didn’t need to be blinking so much and if she was doing it to try and stop. This seemed to work! Me telling her to stop hadn’t made any difference, but someone else did.

Original poster

MamOfTwo · 13/09/2019 11:47

She has mentioned it and is aware of it; she does struggle with anxiety although seems to be enjoying new school so far. I think I won't mention the blinking for a few days and see if it carries on. There is so much change - I think you're right perhaps more decompression is needed. Will try earlier bedtimes and try not to ask ALL THE QUESTIONS (!). She hasn't had any other 'tics' before so bit puzzled.

OP posts:

OhGood · 13/09/2019 11:50

Hi there OP - my daughter who is 9 has developed a similar blink-style tic. I think it was stress-related, as we're moving house. The GP said the best thing to do for her is to ignore it completely: the more aware a child is, the harder it is for them to stop, apparently.

The NHS website basically says it all:
www.nhs.uk/conditions/tics/treatment/

I was worried she would be bullied if her classmates noticed it, but so far there have been no problems, and her blinking has not got any worse.

Hope your DD is OK.

Herocomplex · 13/09/2019 11:58

God yes, the urge to ask questions and suggest solutions is very hard. Listening is challenging, you just want their problems to get solved. But if you give a bit of space they can often get there by themselves. It really helps them to feel more in control as well.
Maybe a relaxation app?

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