Laughter Is the Best Parenting Tool: Why Humor Can Be a Game-Changer for Families
Saturday, January 4, 2025.
Parenting can feel like an endless game of whack-a-mole—just when you think you’ve got one challenge under control, another pops up.
But what if the secret weapon to managing the chaos isn’t stricter rules or a new parenting book, but... humor?
Yes, the humble dad joke, the playful impersonation, or even a well-timed giggle might just be your ticket to stronger bonds and a smoother parenting journey.
Parenting Meets Comedy: The Study That’s Changing the Game
A new study published in PLOS One reveals that humor isn’t just for stand-up comedians—it’s a powerful parenting tool. Researchers from Penn State College of Medicine found that humor can strengthen parent-child relationships, diffuse tension, and even make parenting more effective.
Led by Lucy Emery, the study surveyed 312 adults, including parents and aspiring parents, about their childhood experiences with humor and their views on using humor as a parenting strategy. The findings? Over 70% of participants believed humor was an effective tool, and 63% said its benefits outweighed any risks.
More than half reported that their parents used humor during their childhood, and those with fond memories of their parents’ humor were more likely to have stronger bonds with them.
Why Humor Works: The Science Behind the Laughs
So, what makes humor such a parenting powerhouse?
It’s not just about cracking jokes; it’s about fostering connection, creativity, and calm in stressful moments.
Humor promotes cognitive flexibility—the ability to adapt to changing situations and solve problems creatively. And let’s face it: parenting is one giant improv act where every day brings new surprises.
Benjamin Levi, a professor of pediatrics and humanities at Penn State College of Medicine and senior author of the study, explains, “Humor can teach cognitive flexibility, relieve stress, and promote creative problem-solving and resilience. My father used humor effectively, and I’ve seen its benefits with my own children and in my clinical practice.”
Humor also helps to level the playing field.
As Emery notes, “Parenting can feel hierarchical, and humor reduces that dynamic, creating better collaboration and diffusing tension.” Imagine a tense showdown with your toddler—now picture it ending with giggles instead of tears. Humor flips the script, offering a way to de-escalate without harsh words or punitive measures.
Real-Life Examples: When Humor Saves the Day
Let’s say your three-year-old is on the verge of a nuclear meltdown over their broken crayon. Instead of spiraling into mutual frustration, you grab the crayon and declare, “Time for surgery!” With a solemn face, you perform a “crayon operation,” and voilà—the tears turn into laughter.
Or consider the tween who rolls their eyes at every family dinner. Instead of nagging, you respond with an exaggerated, “Ah, the Royal Eyeroll has returned to the kingdom! Shall we all bow in respect?” Cue laughter—and maybe even a little eye contact.
Humor doesn’t erase the challenges of parenting, but it reframes them in a way that builds connection and lightens the emotional load.
The Bigger Picture: Humor as a Life Skill
The benefits of humor in parenting don’t stop at defusing tantrums.
It also teaches kids vital skills like resilience, emotional regulation, and cognitive flexibility.
When children see their parents using humor to navigate stress, they learn that it’s okay to laugh at life’s absurdities—and that tough moments are temporary.
In fact, humor’s benefits extend beyond parenting.
Research in business settings shows that humor fosters collaboration, reduces tension, and boosts creativity. Parenting might not involve quarterly reviews, but the parallels are striking: humor helps everyone feel more connected, valued, and ready to tackle challenges together.
The Limitations: Not All Jokes Land
Of course, humor isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
The study acknowledged its limitations, such as the lack of diversity in its sample (77% white, 64% male). Additionally, humor is subjective—what’s hilarious to one person might fall flat or even offend another.
That said, nearly 70% of participants expressed interest in parenting courses focused on humor. Imagine a world where “Parenting 101” includes modules on how to craft the perfect pun or stage an impromptu puppet show.
How to Add Humor to Your Parenting Toolbox
Ready to embrace your inner comedian? Here are a few tips to get started:
Play the Fool: Sometimes, being silly on purpose can diffuse tension and surprise your kids into laughing.
Lean into Dad Jokes: Yes, they’re groan-worthy—but that’s half the fun.
Use Humor Strategically: A well-timed joke can shift the mood in a tense situation, but humor isn’t always appropriate. Read the room!
Model Resilience: Show your kids that it’s okay to laugh at yourself or find the humor in a tough situation.
Stay Authentic: You don’t need to be a stand-up comic. Just find what makes your family laugh and roll with it.
Final Thoughts: Raising Kids with Love, Laughter, and a Little Goofiness
Parenting is messy, unpredictable, and often exhausting—but it’s also filled with moments ripe for laughter.
Humor isn’t just about cracking jokes; it’s a way to build stronger bonds, model resilience, and make life a little more joyful for you and your kids.
So the next time you’re faced with a toddler tantrum or tween angst, consider this: instead of raising your voice, raise your eyebrows, pull a funny face, or deliver your best one-liner. After all, in the comedy of parenting, the laughs are often the best medicine.
Be Well, Stay Kind, and Godspeed.
REFERENCES:
Emery, L., Libera, A., Lehman, E., & Levi, B. H. (2025). Humor in parenting: Does it have a role? PLOS One.
Martin, R. A. (2007). The psychology of humor: An integrative approach. Elsevier Academic Press.
Warren, C., Barsky, A., & McGraw, A. P. (2018). Humor, comedy, and consumer behavior. Journal of Consumer Research, 45(2), 329–350.
Wilkins, J., & Eisenbraun, A. J. (2009). Humor theories and the physiological benefits of laughter. Holistic Nursing Practice, 23(6), 349–354.