Laughter: The Essence of a Joyful Life

It might not be an easy concept to grip, especially during times of sadness or conflict, but a decent sense of humor can always help you see the lighter side of things and help you sail through life a whole lot easier! It is never too early to help your child develop this happy quality, for contrary to popular belief, a good sense of humour is not necessarily inherited, but can be taught!

Show me the funny!

Humor is what makes something seem funny; a sense of humor is the ability to recognize the comical aspects of a situation. People with well-developed senses of humor also have the ability to recognize what’s funny in themselves and others. They generally love a good laugh and are good at making others laugh too.

From a social point of view, laughing together is a way to connect. Picture a stand-up comedy act with a room full of appreciative people laughing their heads off, so to speak. The whole room feels fully connected and there is a generally good all-around feel within the audience as they laugh and giggle at the comedian’s jokes and jibes.

When one laughs, one cannot help but be happy. It goes without saying then that a good sense of humour also can make people, including little kids, feel healthier and better able to cope with challenges.

A good sense of humor can help children:

• View things from many perspectives other than the most obvious
• Sharpen their skill at being spontaneous
• Grasp unconventional ideas or ways of thinking
• See beyond the surface of things
• Enjoy and participate in the playful aspects of life
• Not take themselves too seriously

Bring up a comedian? Why not!

People with a well-developed sense of humor are happier and more optimistic, have higher self-esteem, and can handle differences (their own and others) well. Chances are high that a child who is taught from a very young age to appreciate and share humor will be very likeable among his or her peers and will be more capable of handling the adversities that are typical of childhood, which may include moving to a new town, peer teasing, peer pressure, playtime misunderstandings, etc… .

Being equipped with a good sense of humor doesn’t just help children emotionally or socially. Research has shown that kids who laugh more are healthier — they’re less likely to be depressed and may even have an increased resistance to illness or physical problems. They experience less stress, have better digestion and better immune systems too! The best part is, a good sense of humour may help children endure pain if heaven forbid, an injury is acquired.

Developing age-appropriate humour

Kids can start developing a sense of humor at any given age. However, what’s funny to a toddler might not be that amusing to an older child. To help your kids at each stage of development, it’s important to know what’s likely to amuse them.

Can babies be taught some humour?

Well, it’s not like a baby will be able to really understand humor, but the little one definitely knows when you’re smiling and happy. When you make funny noises or faces and then laugh or smile, your baby is likely to sense your joy and imitate you. He or she is also highly responsive to physical stimuli, like tickling or blowing raspberries on his or her face.

Between nine and 15 months, babies will already start realising that when mom puts a diaper on her head or moos like a cow, it’s something out of the norm and that it’s funny! Get your baby to laugh more often and pretty soon, your little one will be trying to amuse you in return!

Toddlers

Toddlers are a hyperactive lot, hence they will appreciate physical humour more than anything else! Comical actions such ‘accidently’ tripping over and falling, or unexpected tickles even, are bound to win them over.

As they grow and develop language skills, they’ll find rhymes and nonsense words funny — and this will continue well into the preschool years, so keep humour ‘lessons’ tasteful and respectful too!

Many toddlers just love to try and make their parents laugh. Your child might deliberately point to the wrong facial feature when asked “Where’s your eyes?” or put something on his head for laughs. Be a sport and laugh along with your little comedian!

Encouragement goes a long way

When you’re playful and humorous with your child, delighting in silliness and laughter, you help him or her develop a playful and humorous attitude about life. You can only do this if you take the trouble to spend time with the little one, be aware of what your child finds amusing and be receptive to the many opportunities he or she gives you to smile or giggle. Be spontaneous, playful, and game enough to laugh so their jokes don’t fall flat.

The magic of a humor-rich environment

When elements of fun and humour is all around you, it’s easier to be influenced by them. Funny picture books or books with nonsense rhymes; Books of kids’ jokes and comics. – All these keep a child’s sense of humour alive and active. Also check out funny TV shows, movies, and websites for all age groups — help your child make good choices and watch them get the best out of humour!

Be their role model

One of the best things you can do to develop your child’s sense of humor is to be their trusty comedian! Go ahead and make jokes, tell funny stories and “LOL”!

Spilt milk? Instead of a frown, try a surprised, wide-eyed gasp with a a comical shake of the head. In other words, deal lightly with small catastrophes so your child will less likely make mountains out of molehills too.

Take notice of your child’s efforts to humour you

Encourage your child’s attempts at humor, whether it’s an attempt at a ‘knock-knock’ joke or a ‘funny’ drawing. Praise your child for trying to be funny and be open to ‘unexpected’ or ‘surprise’ humour. You will find that the first time your child makes you laugh is one of life’s most memorable moments.

Make humor a part of your day-to-day interactions with your little one and encourage the sharing of funny observations, reactions, etc.