Humour helps heal and calm children
Let’s consider those days when you want your children to do something and their response, or lack of any, demonstrates quite clearly that they are unlikely to be co-operative.
You may want them to complete a task, finish their meal or simply show you they are listening.
Their lack of co-operation surprises you as you have been making an effort to spend quality time with them, engaging in meaningful conversations while doing the best you can.
You are putting in much effort considering all the constraints on your time as well as coping with the tiredness that comes with being a parent.
Somewhere in the back of your mind you dream about pursuing interests for your own self-care.
There is something you could consider doing that could be of great help when you would like the children to be on board when it’s unlikely they will. It promotes even more connection with our children, motivation and resilience while avoiding conflict. The strategy that often works is one of humour.
It is necessary to point out that this strategy can also backfire.
We must be careful not to laugh at our children, tease them inappropriately or ridicule them.
Also, do take into account the ages, personalities and any past experiences of your children.
On the positive side, the use of humour when implemented appropriately, can heal, calm and create a positive emotional environment for all. them or play some fun music.
Use your imagination e.g. when reading a favourite book, change the words so it becomes nonsensical then thank your child for correcting you.
Use reverse psychology e.g. ‘‘No laughing here!’’
Use another voice e.g. a character from a book or a movie.
I’m sure you could come up with many more yourself. Please do send any ideas you have, especially those that have worked well for your family then I will collate and share them on my website.
Diane McKinstry is a Hibiscus Coast-based consultant for parents and educators, and a registered teacher. Through her business, Real Coaching for Parents and Educators, Diane offers private sessions for parents, presentations for parents on family life, behaviour, emotional growth and play, and presentations for educators on team building, self-care, creating community and responding to challenging behaviour.
Diane also runs workshops for babysitters. These are interactive sessions for young people from 14-years-old who are babysitters, community volunteers and those who are paid to work alongside children 0 to 13 years old.