When things get stressful with the kids at home, it’s a lot better to keep things like than to start yelling. So says the new research out of Penn State University. In a new study out August 12, 2024, kids who were raised by moms and dads who used humor were found to have a better view of their parents or caregivers. They’re also more likely to say they have a good relationship with them, more likely to say they did a good job, and reply that they would use the same parenting techniques.
Humor can get your family laughing with relief if you use if effectively in your parenting. It sort of forces you to react differently, which opens up new perspectives and new opportunities. This kind of connection can be very (encouraging) for the relationship between kids and parents.
STUDY: Funny Parents Have Better Relationships With Their Kids
Sometimes humor can create a bond between you and your kids from which you can better solve problems. Other times, humor can turn the naturally occurring sour moods of childhood around. Another great aspect of using humor in parenting is that it can help to create a bond between you in life’s day to day ups and downs. In addition to stress relief and easing social interactions, humor can promote language and literacy skills, creative problem solving, and resiliency to help kids cope with disappointment.
It’s important to keep your humor tools age-appropriate. For instance, toddlers love slap stick while preschoolers love a tall tale. One thing not to use when joking around? Sarcasm.
Sarcasm is a sophisticated device that has an edge of negativity. It’s hard for younger ages to decode it, so stay away from it. Stick to fun jokes and humorous problem-solving efforts that you know will decrease stress and keep your kids engaged in a positive way.
To read the new study on parenting with humor, go here.
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