Have you ever thought about laughter therapy for kids. I don’t mean as a formalised therapy where you stand in a circle and are MADE to laugh kind of therapy. I mean thinking of laughter as a a way to help them feel fantastic, close to you, happier.
There are so many many benefits to laughing and laughter therapy for kids.
Laughter therapy for kids
In a world where so much can go wrong, there are a few things that can go right, and if you are a parent with kids, laughing with them is one of those.
‘Laughter not only makes the journey endurable and even enjoyable, it also helps keep us healthy … Be like a child: learn to laugh more! – Author: Joyce Meyer’
The thing about laughing is, it makes you feel better than you did before you were laughing; and that feeling sticks around awhile, affecting your life in the hours after.
Laughter and bonding
Laughing with someone, whether it’s your spouse, friends, co-workers or your kids is a bonding experience because it is when a humorous experience is shared that it is felt most deeply.
Laughing with your kids is a way to share some of your heart and soul with them, and they with you, because when something is funny, people not only laugh, but they look to the other people they are with to see if they think it’s funny too, and if they do, there is that shared instant of recognition as both people understand that they both are getting the joke, and in doing so, forge some small bond between them. This is one reason that many people take dates to comedy clubs.
With parents and their kids though, it runs deeper than that because there is such an immense amount of history between them. In some cases, it’s this shared history that allows them to share the joke, in others, it’s a momentary cease-fire in the ancient war between parents and their offspring.
Laughter and equality
Laughing with your kids is important also in that it gives everyone a moment to forget their roles in the family. When you’re laughing, you’re all equals and everything feels good. It’s a levelling of life and a way to shuck off some of the constant need to be the person we think our kids expect; a way to just be with them in a relaxed way that doesn’t involve a learning experience or anything else other than a happy moment with people you love.
And finally, laughing with your kids means that you are maintaining a link with them; which grows ever more important as they grow older and reach their teen years.
People that can laugh together are getting along and are at ease enough to let down their guards for long enough to engage in something that is important for them and everyone else around them. Laughing with your kids means that you get them, and they you; at least while the joke is on.
And that is certainly something worth holding on to for as long as possible, because it won’t be long before they won’t be around to share those moments with you.
Laughter therapy for kids – a tool for their tool kit
It is really useful for kids to understand laughter is a mood booster and a mood changer and to purposefully seek it out in life. I strongly suggest kids have a laughter kit a the ready! Maybe it will contain a funny DVD, some pranks like a fake poo or whoopee cushion, maybe a joke book or a silly photo or two. Seeking out the funny is always as game changer.
Learning a few jokes and sharing them with someone else and spread that fun around will help your child to reconnect too.
Maybe a you could sprinkle a few of these laughter quotes around in your home too on lunch box notes or fridge sayings?
Here are 10 benefits of laughter therapy for kids:
- Stress Reduction: Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals, which can help reduce stress and promote a sense of relaxation in children.
- Boosts Mood: Laughing enhances the production of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that contributes to feelings of happiness and well-being, leading to improved mood in kids.
- Enhanced Immune System: Laughter therapy has been linked to a strengthened immune system due to its positive effects on immune cells and overall immune function, making children more resilient to illnesses.
- Social Bonding: Participating in laughter exercises in a group setting fosters a sense of camaraderie and strengthens social bonds among kids, encouraging better communication and cooperation.
- Improved Resilience: By teaching kids to find humor even in challenging situations, laughter therapy can help build emotional resilience and equip them with coping mechanisms.
- Enhanced Cardiovascular Health: Laughter increases blood flow and improves blood vessel function, potentially leading to better cardiovascular health in children.
- Muscle Relaxation: The physical act of laughing involves muscle contractions followed by relaxation, leading to a reduction in muscular tension and promoting overall physical relaxation.
- Enhanced Lung Capacity: Laughter exercises often incorporate deep breathing, which can help improve lung capacity and respiratory function in kids.
- Cognitive Benefits: Laughter therapy encourages creative thinking and problem-solving by promoting a playful mindset, which can enhance cognitive development in children.
- Release of Tension: Children often accumulate tension and stress due to school, peer relationships, and other factors. Laughter therapy provides a safe outlet for releasing pent-up emotions and tension.
It’s important to note that while laughter therapy can offer various benefits, it should not replace conventional medical treatment or therapies for specific medical or psychological conditions. Additionally, the effectiveness of laughter therapy can vary from child to child, and it’s crucial to ensure that any laughter exercises or activities are appropriate and enjoyable for the individual child’s needs and preferences.
10 Lovely Laughter Quotes
As soap is to the body, so laughter is to the soul.
JEWISH PROVERB
If you are too busy to laugh, you are too busy
Laugh my friend, for laughter ignites a fire within the pit of your belly and awakens your being.
STELLA MCCARTNEY
Surround yourself with people who make your heart smile. Its then, only then, that you’ll find wonderland- Alice in Wonderland
Laughter is a sunbeam of the soul. ―Thomas Mann
We don’t laugh because we’re happy – we’re happy because we laugh. William James ·
Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face. Victor Hugo
Laughter is the shortest distance between two people. — Victor Borge
A laugh is a smile that bursts. — Mary H. Waltdrip
The earth laughs in flowers. — e.e. Cummings
A book to encourage your kids to laugh and smile
My 365 days of Happy quote book for kids is filled with fun and happiness boosting activities affirmations and quotes to keep kids laughing and smiling every single day of the year.
10 awesome jokes for kids ! (essential laughter therapy for kids!)
How does a sunflower whistle? Through its tulips. (more flower jokes here)
Why did the soccer player take so long to eat dinner? He thought he couldn’t use his hands!
What season is best for trampolining? Spring!
What do you call a guy who’s really loud? Mike!
What goes up when the rain comes down? An umbrella.
Which side of a tree has the most leaves? The outside.
What is the cutest season? Aww-tumn
What do you call two bananas on the floor? Slippers!
What goes up and down but doesn’t move? Stairs!
Why can’t you ever trust atoms? Because they make up everything!
Looking for more fab jokes?
Find some brilliant bee jokes here!
Final thoughts on laughter therapy for kids
So now you have some great jokes to tell your kids – and keep on laughing. It keeps you close and is super healing and most importantly it makes everyone smile.
Laughter therapy for kids is a truly lovely thing, it lightens life and provides a lovely respite form stress and worry – let’s get kids laughing more and whilst we are at it lighten our own load too.
Switch on a comedy show , tell them a joke and relive a funny story and amazing things will happen.
Further reading
Formal exercises in laughter therapy
