This Instagram Account Is The Ultimate Place For Parent Humor, Here Are 50 Of The Funniest Posts

You don’t have to be a parent to benefit from having a good giggle. But some experts suggest that in addition to the usual benefits of laughter, jokes and humor can be a great tool for parenting, too.

According to a social psychologist, expert in parenting concerns, family dynamics and trends, Dr. Susan Newman, parents tend to view jokes as a distraction from the regular routine – “a break from the serious side of parenting”. But they could be a great tool for calming situations, encouraging proper behavior, and cementing the parent-child bond, the expert suggested in a piece for US News.

Dr. Newman suggested that parents underuse humor and don't fully appreciate its ability to diffuse or reduce tension. And while she pointed out that humor is not always the answer—”anything that puts your child in physical danger or seems to put his academic or social standing at risk calls for a serious chat or imposing restrictions,” she wrote—it can help minimize the stress of certain situations parents find themselves in.

“A lighter approach reduces both the parent’s and the child’s stress. It can also keep a situation from escalating and reduce a child’s feelings of regret or remorse over having done something inappropriate. Most importantly, humor underscores that you love your child in spite of the immediate misstep,” the social psychologist emphasized.

Seeking to delve deeper into the benefits of laughter, Bored Panda got in touch with the best-selling author, expert in therapeutic humor, and motivational humorist Allen Klein. Discussing the benefits of humor, he pointed out that since a hearty laugh can be beneficial to every part of the body, having one on a regular basis is important for one’s health and healing.

“For example, when you have a good laugh, your heart rate goes up then dips below normal when you stop laughing. Very much like aerobic exercise.

“Among other things, you also get a good dose of fresh air in your lungs when laughing, providing more oxygen to your blood and brain, helping you think more clearly,” he said, adding that a big guffaw can also help to relax your muscles.