Love and Laughter
Have you ever noticed when your child laughs, you smile. It’s a natural reaction and it can help us look at life a little less seriously. Laughter can turn an uncomfortable or negative situation around, especially with our child. There are many ways parents can encourage laughter and develop their child’s sense of humor, which can have many long term benefits.
Physical Benefits:
· Relaxes the body- Laughing relieves tension and stress, which leaves your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes.
· Boosts immune system- Dr. Lee S. Berk and Dr. Stanley Tan of Loma Linda University in California have published studies that show laughter boosts the immune system by: lowering blood pressure, reducing stress hormones, and raising levels of infection-fighting T-cells.
· Triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
· Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
Relationship Benefits:
Research has also found that children who laugh and have a sense of humor about life will have better relationships. “These children tend to be well-liked by their peers and adults.” states psychologist Louis Franzini author of “Kids Who Laugh, How to Develop Your Child’s Sense of Humor ”. Additionally, children with a well-developed sense of humor are happier and more optimistic, have higher self-esteem, and can handle relationship differences more effectively.
Developing your Child’s Sense of Humor:
There are many ways to develop your child’s sense of humor. Engage in activities that are fun and will encourage your child to laugh. Look for opportunities in everyday situations that can help your child look at life optimistically. Turn a possible negative situation around by handling it in a positive and light hearted way. As a result, you both will benefit and your relationship will become even stronger.
Here are some other ideas:
• Increase your exposure to comedies, funny shows, riddles and joke books.
• Create fun games or play some with your child or teen.
• Take a humor break each day where you and your child do something fun. What you choose to do will depend on their age. Be creative and have fun with it!
• Spend time with others that have a positive outlook on life and encourage you to laugh. This will help you when working with your child.
Research has found that four-year-old children smile and laugh about 400 times a day while adults smile and laugh only about 14 times a day. Life has its challenges but children don’t see what we see. Let’s learn from our children and encourage their light hearted attitude and optimism about life.
Proverbs 17:22 – “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength.”
God Bless you with more love, laughter, and fun with your family!
Dr. Nina
Have you ever noticed when your child laughs, you smile. It’s a natural reaction and it can help us look at life a little less seriously. Laughter can turn an uncomfortable or negative situation around, especially with our child. There are many ways parents can encourage laughter and develop their child’s sense of humor, which can have many long term benefits.
Physical Benefits:
· Relaxes the body- Laughing relieves tension and stress, which leaves your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes.
· Boosts immune system- Dr. Lee S. Berk and Dr. Stanley Tan of Loma Linda University in California have published studies that show laughter boosts the immune system by: lowering blood pressure, reducing stress hormones, and raising levels of infection-fighting T-cells.
· Triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain.
· Laughter protects the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.
Relationship Benefits:
Research has also found that children who laugh and have a sense of humor about life will have better relationships. “These children tend to be well-liked by their peers and adults.” states psychologist Louis Franzini author of “Kids Who Laugh, How to Develop Your Child’s Sense of Humor ”. Additionally, children with a well-developed sense of humor are happier and more optimistic, have higher self-esteem, and can handle relationship differences more effectively.
Developing your Child’s Sense of Humor:
There are many ways to develop your child’s sense of humor. Engage in activities that are fun and will encourage your child to laugh. Look for opportunities in everyday situations that can help your child look at life optimistically. Turn a possible negative situation around by handling it in a positive and light hearted way. As a result, you both will benefit and your relationship will become even stronger.
Here are some other ideas:
• Increase your exposure to comedies, funny shows, riddles and joke books.
• Create fun games or play some with your child or teen.
• Take a humor break each day where you and your child do something fun. What you choose to do will depend on their age. Be creative and have fun with it!
• Spend time with others that have a positive outlook on life and encourage you to laugh. This will help you when working with your child.
Research has found that four-year-old children smile and laugh about 400 times a day while adults smile and laugh only about 14 times a day. Life has its challenges but children don’t see what we see. Let’s learn from our children and encourage their light hearted attitude and optimism about life.
Proverbs 17:22 – “A cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit saps a person's strength.”
God Bless you with more love, laughter, and fun with your family!
Dr. Nina
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