Habit Coughs

This type of cough is different to a cough during a cold. The child is usually well and the cough presents as louder and forced.

How can a parent help?

• Think about causes of stress and try to deal with them
• Try to ignore the cough and give lots of attention at times when the cough does not occur.
• Talk to your child if old enough about any worries he/she may have.
• Consult your doctor to rule out any physical causes.

Teeth Grinding

Many children grind their teeth during sleep and it is a worry for parents. It happens when the child clenches their jaws tightly maybe because of stress or tension. It can cause damage to teeth, aching jaws and headaches. It is difficult a difficult behaviour to change because it occurs during sleep.

How can a parent help?

• Think about your child’s life and try to reduce the stress your child is feeling
• Make sure you spend time with your child and that bedtime routines are relaxing and happy.
• Do not wake the child up because this could make matters worse
• Notice positive things about the child and remember to mention them, not all at once, but at least three or four times a week.
• Check with the Dentist for damaged teeth because a night mouth guard may be necessary.

Tics

Tics are movements that some children make and seem out of the child’s control. They are sometimes called habit spasms. The child blinks, twitches his/her face or has jerky movements of arms or shoulders. When told to stop the child can usually do this for a short time but the tics will start up again when the child begins to concentrate on something else.
Tics are usually caused by stress but can be caused by other health problems e.g. blinking can be caused by poor eyesight. If your child is experiencing tics it is best to consult your Doctor in order to rule out other health problems.


Frances Byatt-Smith RN RHV BA Psychology

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