Before you brush off a dad joke that makes you roll your eyes, you might want to reconsider. It appears that humor, particularly the cheesy, groan-worthy sort, is important for infant development, according to new research from Penn State College of Medicine.
Over 300 adults were asked about their early experiences with humor in parenting for the study, which was published in PLOS ONE. What were the outcomes? Over 60% of participants are planning to utilize humor while raising their own children, and over 70% of participants felt it strengthened their relationship with their parents.
According to experts, laughing develops vital life skills in addition to being a way to have pleasure. The study found children who grew up in humorous households had higher cognitive flexibility, which allowed them to adjust to changing circumstances more readily. They were also more resilient, which improved their ability to cope with stress.
Beyond that, children benefit from humor by learning how to overcome problems. Engaging in playful banter fosters creativity and helps kids view problems from several angles. They learn how to deal with humiliation as well, which is an important lifelong social skill.
Nonetheless, scholars stress that humor ought to be utilized with attention. Instead of fostering a sense of support, sarcasm or mocking may have the opposite impact, leaving kids feeling uneasy. Lighthearted jokes, laughing, and even traditional “dad jokes” can foster a healthy family dynamic instead.
The next time a father makes a really awful joke, don’t just moan; instead, recognize the subliminal advantages. As it turns out, such embarrassing jokes may be influencing those who will lead, think, and solve problems in the future.
After all, “a good laugh today could mean a stronger, more resilient child tomorrow.”
