Humor is an effective parenting tool for communicating with a child; research shows benefits for mental development

Humor is a great way for parents to bond with their children. It can also be an effective parenting tool. Modern Family’s Phil and Luke Dunphy might be the best example of a hilarious father-son duo with their wholesome antics throughout the show. Their inside jokes and trying new, random things together brought them closer to the hearts of the audience.

A study published in the journal PLOS delves for the first time into the concept of humor in parenting and how it can be effective. Humor brings parents and child together, helps to build a connection and foster healthy relationships where the child feels safe and can open up more.

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Humor develops cognitive flexibility

Researchers at Pennsylvania State University found that humor enriches parenting and makes children happy. It also has a positive effect on the child’s cognitive abilities. Benjamin Levy, senior author of the study, elaborated, “Humor can teach people cognitive flexibility, relieve stress, and promote creative problem-solving and resilience.” A good mood brings undoubted benefits to a child’s mental development.

Relieves the stress of parents and children

The study surveyed 312 participants between the ages of 18 and 45, and more than half of them were raised by parents who used humor. 71.8% of them believe that humor is indeed an effective means of education. Good humor also breaks down potential parent-child hierarchies. Humor helps to lighten up stressful situations. This allows parents to communicate with their child as a friend rather than an intimidating authority figure.

Author Lucy Emery said: “There is an interesting parallel between business and parenting, which are hierarchical. In business, humor has been shown to help reduce hierarchies, create a better environment for collaboration and creativity, and diffuse tension. While parent-child relationships are more loving than business relationships, parenting often involves stressful situations. Humor can help diffuse this tension and hierarchy and help both parties feel better about themselves in a stressful situation.”

So, don’t be afraid to throw in a couple of dad jokes. Your kids may even secretly like them, despite their overt protests.

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