As a parent, if you don’t have negotiating skills or a sense of humor, you’re in for a rough ride.
When people laugh, the parts of the brain that react to rewards light up. So, it only follows that if you can inject humor into your interactions with your kids, they’re going to be more likely to actually want to interact with you.
Now, don’t overdo it with stupid or childish stuff, just let them in on that sarcastic commentator that runs non-stop in your own mind. Kids at age 8 and beyond like sarcasm. It feels adult to them.
Instead of saying, “Jack, take out the trash”, say, “Ever since you got up this morning, you were just dreaming about taking out the trash. Well, your dream has come true. Thanks for the help, Jack”. He’ll say, “Oh yeah, funny, dad” and you say, “Glad I could help. I’m here all week!, ba-dum-dum.”.
You see, it’s not the joke, it’s the humor that causes the heart-healthy laughter. Laugh it up. Life can be funny.
Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch
At DrClaudia.net, click on the "Ask Me" button and send me a question.
When people laugh, the parts of the brain that react to rewards light up. So, it only follows that if you can inject humor into your interactions with your kids, they’re going to be more likely to actually want to interact with you.
Now, don’t overdo it with stupid or childish stuff, just let them in on that sarcastic commentator that runs non-stop in your own mind. Kids at age 8 and beyond like sarcasm. It feels adult to them.
Instead of saying, “Jack, take out the trash”, say, “Ever since you got up this morning, you were just dreaming about taking out the trash. Well, your dream has come true. Thanks for the help, Jack”. He’ll say, “Oh yeah, funny, dad” and you say, “Glad I could help. I’m here all week!, ba-dum-dum.”.
You see, it’s not the joke, it’s the humor that causes the heart-healthy laughter. Laugh it up. Life can be funny.
Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch
At DrClaudia.net, click on the "Ask Me" button and send me a question.
