Toddler Week 15

0

Laugh Out Loud

In the past, researchers scoffed at the idea of studying the development of humor in children, but today psychologists are recognizing the importance of humor in child development. Humor development gives an indication of cognitive and social progress, and the lack of humor can in fact be an early indicator of the presence of autism spectrum disorder.

Studying humor in young children aids in understanding whether a child is able to comprehend that someone may do something intentionally to elicit a response such as laughing. One study investigated whether toddlers were able to understand that someone can do something absurd to be funny, and the results showed that children as young as

19 months were able to do this. This further indicates that toddlers even younger than 19 months have a great capacity for to perceive humorous situations, and that parents should create events to give toddlers an opportunity to respond to similar stimuli.

Here are some things to do with your toddler to get the laughing muscles going:

  • While you have your toddler’s full attention, try drinking from the wrong side of his or her bottle or training cup. Watch your toddler’s reaction and say ‘Oops!’ when he or she shows notice of your wrong action.  See also if your toddler tries to correct you, otherwise correct yourself.
  • Peek-a-boo remains a great option for increasing complexity and motor skills. Try hiding behind a couch or a door and jumping out when your toddler calls for you.
  • Toddlers love to play ‘I’m going to get you!’ This is a simple chasing game where the toddler runs away and the parent runs after him or her. It usually results in a tickle session as soon as the parent catches the child.
  • Have you ever tried to imitate all your toddler’s actions? The results can be quite hilarious! You and your toddler may get a good laugh while you’re at it!                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Keep stimulating your child’s humorous sense using any of these, or just about any way you have found effective in your own right. The key here is to spend as much time with your child as you can to discover the things he or she regards as funny. The more you perform this stimulation the right way, the happier and more developed your child becomes.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here