The power of laughter

Parenting & Child Development  |  4 years ago

These are challenging times for all of us, including families with young children. It’s good to remember that as serious as our daily news is, laughter is still an important, even necessary, part of your child’s life.

You know that laughter feels good, and laughing with your kids is one of the best parts of parenting, but did you know that it is actually good for us, both mentally and physically? And isn’t that what we all need right now? Laughter helps us recover more quickly from stressful situations or situations that our bodies perceive as being threatening. It is also a great way for humans to connect with each other. Laughter is really a tool kids can use throughout their lives to help them be happier and more resilient.

Laughter:

• Reduces the production of stress hormones which have been linked to increased risk for depression, weight gain, and weakened immune systems.

• Conversely, laughter increases the production of endorphins and oxytocin which help relieve pain or stress.

• Laughter also helps to diffuse anger by easing muscle tension and bringing down your heart rate. 

• Laughter is literally good for your heart. It improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow which helps protect your heart.

In stressful times, don’t knock the value of a good laugh. It won’t just lighten the mood for you and your kids, it will help you connect as a family and build your resiliency in dealing with challenges as they arise.

Looking for a good laugh? If you can get your kids laughing, you’ll soon be laughing, too. Try a few silly, kid-friendly jokes to get the ball rolling, then challenge your kids to a joke contest. The jokes may not exactly be worthy of a Netflix stand-up comedy special, but the kids’ laughter will be infectious.

Q. When does a joke become a “dad” joke?

A. When the punchline is a parent.

Q. How much does it cost a pirate to get his ears pierced?

A. About a buck an ear.

Q. What’s worse than finding a worm in your apple?

A. Finding half a worm.

Q. What did the banana say to the dog?

A. Nothing. Bananas can’t talk.

Q. What did the nose say to the finger? 

A. Quit picking on me!

Q. What do you call a boomerang that won’t come back? 

A. A stick.

Q. Why can’t Elsa have a balloon?

A. Because she will let it go.

Q. What do you call an old snowman?

A. Water. 

Q. What's the difference between roast beef and pea soup?

A. Anyone can roast beef. 

Q. What did the science book say to the math book?

A. Wow, you've got problems.

Encouraging Your Child's Sense of Humor, reviewed by Mary Galvin for Kids Health

Laughter is the best medicine, Help Guide

Stress relief from laughter? It's no joke, Mayo Clinic

LIFE LESSONS FROM CAVEMEN: 5 REASONS LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE  by Talia Filippelli, LCSW, CHHC, CPT, Genius Kids

#child-development
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