Encouraging laughter enhances the wellbeing of children
Laughter is a powerful tool that supports the physical, emotional, social, and cognitive development of young children. By creating environments that promote laughter and joy, we can help children lead healthier, happier, and more resilient lives. Encouraging laughter enhances the wellbeing of children, and sets the foundation for a positive, fulfilling future. It provides many benefits for young and old but, because we focus on the young, we have compiled a comprehensive list of the way it can help your child.
Physical: Laughter causes a flow of positive responses in the body. For young children, this can mean a boost to their developing immune systems. When children laugh, their bodies produce more antibodies and create more immune cells, helping to fend off illnesses. Laughter also increases blood flow and oxygen intake, which can improve the health of the heart, and it promotes relaxation by reducing the levels of stress hormones. Reducing stress hormones can benefit young children because chronic stress can affect their physical development and immune system in a harmful way.
Emotional: By releasing endorphins – the body’s natural feel-good chemicals – laughter is a stress and anxiety reliever. Endorphins boost an overall sense of well-being and can help children feel more content and secure. Children who laugh often develop a more positive outlook on life, have better coping tools, and a greater ability to bounce back from difficulties.
Social: Laughter encourages children to connect with others. It helps build and strengthen relationships. Shared laughter can create a sense of community and belonging that are important for social development. When children laugh together, they learn
- to communicate better,
- read social signs,
- and understand the emotions of others.
These skills are important for learning empathy and for building strong, healthy relationships. Laughter can also shut down tension and put an end to conflicts. Children who can use humour, appropriately, are often well-equipped to deal with social challenges and maintain friendly interactions with their peers.
Cognitive: Laughter can stimulate brain function and boost learning. Engaging in activities that provoke laughter, such as playful games or funny stories, can increase attention spans and improve memory retention. When children are in a positive emotional state, they are more likely to absorb and retain information. Laughter also encourages creativity and problem-solving skills. Humour often involves recognising conflicts and thinking outside the box, skills that are valuable in academic settings, and beyond. A playful, laughter-filled environment can make learning more enjoyable, creating a love for learning that can last a lifetime.
Given the countless benefits of laughter for young children, it is crucial to create laughter-rich environments that encourage joy and humour. You, as a parent, can display positive behaviour by laughing often and finding joy in everyday moments. Playful interactions, such as tickling, playing games, or telling jokes, can create opportunities for laughter.
