4 Quirky Kid Behaviors That Actually Have Purpose

If you're concerned، talk to your child's pediatrician، who can refer you to an occupational therapist for strategies. And keep in mind: It's OK if you're embarrassed by your child's quirk.

"That's a valid feeling that parents experience،" says Dr. Miller. "We want our kids to fit in، and we don't want others to judge them." While a quirk itself is likely no biggie to children، you may find that your child's frustration mounts when someone like a caregiver or teacher tries to stop their behavior.

So before you do، ask yourself: Is my child embarrassed? If not، and the quirk doesn't interfere with other aspects of life، ignore it and know that other kids fulfill their sensory needs too. Kind of like how you chew gum instead of putting Legos in your mouth.

Key Takeaways

In the age of Google، searching your child's quirky behaviors can be tempting، only to land on startling (and probably inaccurate) conclusions. The truth is that some quirks do not indicate that something is wrong but instead show that your child is finding different ways to regulate their senses. Talk to a health care provider if you have concerns or questions or if your child's quirks disrupt their life.