Guest Blogger: Melanie Nichols
This March, we are sharing a special series of blog posts from Melanie Nichols. This series was originally posted in February 2021. You can find Melanie and her blog here. If you would like to submit to our blog, please email us.
“Knock knock”
“Who’s there?”
“Cargo”
“Cargo who?”
“Car go beep beep”
A preschooler in my care shared this joke with me nearly 20 years ago. We had a good laugh over it; for days afterward, he would repeat it to me, and we would chuckle together. Laughing together is a way to connect with our children. It’s a way to share a joyous moment and create a happy memory together. A good sense of humor can also help kids be smarter, healthier, and better able to cope with challenges that arise.
Interestingly, a sense of humor is a learned quality that can be developed in kids, and our interactions as loving parents and teachers are a big part of that development. Kids with a well-developed sense of humor are more optimistic, have a more positive self-image, and can better handle differences between themselves and others. They are also better liked by their age mates and are more able to handle the challenges of childhood.
Research has shown that there are physical benefits to laughter as well. People who laugh more are less likely to be depressed, experience less stress, and have better digestion. Studies show that laughter helps us endure pain better and improves our immune function. But most of all, a sense of humor makes life fun. There is not much better than sharing lighthearted moments of laughter and silliness with the kids in your life.
KidsHealth.org (link below) shares some strategies for helping your child develop their sense of humor – and having a lot of fun along the way!
KidsHealth.org – Sense of Humor
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