Your child’s sense of humour is a key part of their personality, and will develop really early.
This can be really fun – but it can also be an incredible opportunity for play and connection.
Here’s some advice on how can you use silliness as a key to learning…
Dad and daughter playing:
Right, you ready? You're going to be a monkey. okay Go! He's coming! Go! Aaaah! Aaaah! Aaaah! Aaaah! Aaaah! I'm happy with that!
I'm gonna take you! Look at him. Can we put some hair? I'm going to get some of your hair. And some legs. It's static! It's static?
Are you going to make everyone dinner? Yeah Wow I've got a lot of customers coming You've got a lot of customers, you're busy
Yeah Is everyone paying for the food? Yeah Yeah? Yeah How much is my carrot dish? Um, three four five Three four five pounds? Yeah Wow. Am I ever going to get my dinner? Yeah. Yeah, it's not ready yet.
I'm spotless. Did I need a good plane?
Humour and being silly
Being silly is great for building your child’s confidence, boosting their mood and reducing your own stress.
It can also be a great way to spend quality time as a family, particularly if you have been busy with work and life.
These shared experiences strengthen the bond between you and your child, and bring you closer together.
Laughing is good for your child’s emotional regulation and memory, as it activates those parts of the brain.
The best time to have fun
When’s the best time to have fun? All the time of course!
But with busy routines like school work and, well, life – sometimes it can be hard to know where to fit it in.
From telephones, to tea parties, and even race cars, anything goes when it comes to imaginary play – it’s important to try and find humour and opportunities to play in the everyday world around you.
Check out this article for some detailed ideas of ways to play.
Top tips for playing
The most important part of play is that your child is having fun, and building their confidence.
A great way to do that is having pretend roleplay with toys, to promote open conversations.
Encourage taking turns and make sure to let them lead the scenario – this will make sure they stay engaged.
And remember consistency is key – try and find a realistic little bit of time to connect with your child.
Your full attention is more important than the amount of time you’re able to spend together.






