I simply love a good joke or the perfectly executed prank. April 1st is usually the day to get silly. Personally, I use the entire month to celebrate laughter. I believe that as adults we need to be able to laugh at ourselves and keep some of the heaviness out of our lives.
Humor is rooted in childhood and grows along the same developmental path as your child. Peek-a-boo is a game that we all play with our children and I believe sets the stage for humor development. As your child becomes older have some “knock, knock” jokes ready. Here is an oldie I learned as a 5 year old”
Knock, knock. Who’s there? Banana. Banana who? Knock knock. Who’s there? Orange. Orange who? Orange you glad I didn’t say banana?
Develop some chicken jokes. Why did the chicken cross the road? To get to the other side. This is very concrete and can be visualized. Then as your child matures add a little more abstract thought…around 12 years of age.
One day a year plan a silly meal. Use mashed potatoes, put food coloring in it and shovel some into your mouth and play lookie, lookie. For some clarification, when you say “lookie”, you open your mouth to show the gross mashed potatoes. It is ill-mannered, but so much fun. The cool thing is your children will begin to linger at the table, laughing and talking.
Around 14 years of age begin to tell jokes that help them think outside the box by following subtle directions.
If you want to have fun, develop this now. So get some books on good, clean jokes and giggle with your children. I believe that laughter is the best medicine.
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