Humor Might Be the Best Parenting Tool You’ve Got
by Alexander Tidd
Parenting is messy. It’s unpredictable. It’s frustrating, hilarious, exhausting, and occasionally involves a goldfish cracker lodged somewhere it absolutely shouldn’t be. And through all of it, one thing can make the difference between spiraling and surviving: a sense of humor.
More parents are recognizing that laughter isn't just a nice bonus—it’s a tool. A real, research-backed, sanity-saving, connection-deepening tool. Whether it's using a goofy voice during tooth brushing or telling a knock-knock joke during a meltdown, humor has a quiet superpower: it builds trust, lightens tension, and turns tough moments into shared stories instead of emotional landmines.
In a time when parenting can feel like a series of impossible decisions and constant self-assessments, choosing to laugh—on purpose—is one of the most radical and healing things a parent can do.
It’s tempting to think of humor as a distraction from serious parenting. But used intentionally, it actually does the opposite—it draws kids in and builds bridges.
Studies have shown that shared laughter between a parent and child strengthens emotional bonds and increases cooperation. A 2020 study published in Frontiers in Psychology found that children whose caregivers engaged them in shared humor displayed higher levels of emotional regulation and social understanding. In other words, when we laugh with our kids, we’re helping them become more emotionally balanced humans.
It also makes parenting more sustainable. No one can operate at maximum seriousness all the time without cracking—or yelling. Humor gives us an off-ramp. When your toddler spills an entire cup of milk on the floor for the third time and looks at you with wide, innocent eyes, you can either blow a gasket… or dramatically slip in the puddle and say, “Whoa! We’ve got a milk lake emergency!”
One of those reactions raises blood pressure. The other lowers it—for everyone.
Finding Funny in the Chaos
You don’t need to be a stand-up comedian or memorize a book of jokes. Humor in parenting is more about attitude than punchlines. It’s about staying light where you can and finding the funny even when things feel frayed.
When your preschooler throws a tantrum about the “wrong” color cup, imagine the courtroom drama that will be made of the tragic blue-cup injustice.
When your teenager gives you a one-word response for the fifth time in a row, channel your inner sitcom parent and reply, “And the award for conversational enthusiasm goes to… you.”
When your baby blows out their diaper in the middle of the grocery store, tell yourself you’re just making unforgettable core memories.
These aren’t just coping strategies—they’re reframes. They turn moments of frustration into moments of absurdity. And when your child sees you choosing humor, you’re modeling flexibility. You’re teaching them that life doesn’t always go to plan, and that’s okay.
Humor also works wonders during routines. A silly voice during storytime. A race to see who can get dressed fastest. A game of “don’t smile” during teeth brushing. Kids respond better when things feel playful instead of preachy. And parents do too.
When Humor Heals More Than It Hides
There’s a deeper layer here that goes beyond silly songs and sarcastic quips. Humor, especially in parenting, is often the first step toward repair. After a hard moment—whether it’s a long night, a big fight, or a public meltdown—humor can help you reconnect.
It can start small: a wink, a gentle tease, a funny face. It says, “I’m still here. We’re okay.” And that can be everything.
Laughter also helps release stress. Parenting is full of moments where you feel helpless, frustrated, or just plain done. A shared laugh with your child can reset the emotional thermostat. It doesn’t fix everything, but it creates space—a little breath of air where everyone can exhale.
For many parents, humor also helps with the long game of letting go. Kids grow fast. The things that feel maddening today will one day be stories you tell over dinner with friends. When you use humor now, you’re making those stories a little easier to tell. You’re softening the edges.
And yes—there are times when nothing feels funny. That’s okay too. Humor is a tool, not a requirement. But it’s a powerful one to keep nearby. Especially when your toddler paints their entire body in diaper cream.
Raising Humans, Not Robots
Parenting often gets talked about in terms of structure, discipline, and milestones. But at its heart, it’s a relationship. And relationships thrive when we laugh together.
By making room for humor in our homes, we remind our kids that joy doesn’t come after the work—it’s part of it. We show them that mistakes can be forgiven, that hard days can end in giggles, and that connection doesn’t have to be perfect to be powerful.
We’re not raising robots. We’re raising humans—quirky, flawed, funny humans. And they’re watching us closely.
So when the tantrum is over, when the crumbs are everywhere, when the day has gone off the rails, try the goofy voice. Dance in the kitchen. Make fart noises if you must. Your kids will laugh. You probably will too.
And in that moment, you’ll both feel a little lighter.
