How to Encourage a Child's Sense of Humor
At 10 months old, Emily is already developing a sense of humor. Her grandmother experienced it firsthand: "When we had dinner or whenever we had something to drink, I would take a sip of my drink and then say 'Aah' and look directly at Emily. This would grab her attention and she would give me a big smile. I did this for several days. One day, I came into the room where her mother was holding her and feeding her from a bottle. Her eyes on me, Emily pushed the bottle away and with a big smile she said, 'Aah.' " Emily was pleased with herself and Grandma enjoyed the private joke between them as well.
After 18-month-old Josh got his first haircut, he climbed on his grandfather's lap, patted Grandpa's bald spot and said: "Grandpa got a big haircut." When he realized that he'd made everyone laugh, he felt good about his accomplishment.
By cherishing children's first attempts at humor, you're letting them know that they are fun to be with. When parents nurture and encourage humor, children grow up to be happy and well-adjusted. Laughter is a great stress reducer. Here are ways to cherish a developing child's sense of humor.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Laugh-A-Lot.
When it comes to a child's sense of humor, there is only one important rule: laugh and laugh again. Laugh and don't worry if the joke doesn't make sense. These first attempts at humor are the beginnings of seeing the funny side of life. -
2
Make Room for the Sillys.
Humor and silliness helps us cope with stress or embarrassment. For example, if your 5-year old falls out of the swing, she'll likely be startled at first, wondering if the other kids saw her. But if she rolls on the ground giggling, other kids will join in and she'll forget her initial fall. When kids learn to take themselves less seriously, they learn to take setbacks in stride. -
-
3
Lighten your Tone.
Humor encourages teamwork. Pay attention to the tone of your voice and the manner with which you ask the kids for help. Obviously, "I need your hands to help wash the dishes" said with a friendly tone is much more effective than a stern, "Do the dishes right now!" -
4
Welcome Humor.
The more difficult the situation, the more humor can turn the stress around. Create an environment where laughter is appreciated. Humor helps daily routine become positive and more interesting. Using an absurd suggestion such as: "If you don't go to sleep this minute, you'll have to go to sleep next minute," just might turn a struggle into a funny moment. -
5
Play with Sounds.
Preschoolers like to play with silly sounds. Names, words, and rhymes can be uproarious to them. "Silly Willy," "Bob-bob-bob-a-ro-ro" can bring side-splitting laughter. Meaning has nothing to do with it; it's the absurdity that tickles the funny bone. -
6
Tell Riddles and Jokes.
At around age 6, kids like riddles and jokes and making adults laugh. The jokes don't have to make sense and the riddles don't have to be sophisticated, just silly. Be sure to show how much you get a kick out of the riddles and jokes they share. Being able to laugh together is a great basis for a happy relationship.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Try telling these riddles to your kids: What are two things you can't eat for breakfast? Answer: lunch and dinner. Have you hear about the new seafood diet? Answer: When I see food, I eat it.
