Tantrum-STOP! Humor as a Superpower: a Parental Strategy Against Tantrums

Tantrums are a common part of early childhood and can be a headache for any parent. Dealing with tantrums can be challenging, but there is a secret weapon that can help: humor. Humor can act as a superpower, helping to distract, de-escalate, and make tantrums easier to handle.

JUST A HEADS UP! The success of the strategy assumes you have a sense of humor. 😊

Why is humor effective?

• Humor helps to relax tension and create a lighter atmosphere.
• It distracts from negative emotions and helps children see the situation from a new perspective.
• It strengthens the parent-child bond and brings playfulness and joy to parenting.

Let humor arrive unexpectedly

The power of humor lies in surprise. When a child is angry or frustrated and humor is used unexpectedly, it breaks the tension. The power of surprise helps the child detach from negative emotions and see the situation from a new perspective.

Imagine how surprising it would be to try to calm a tantruming child with a funny voice instead of a stern look. You could make funny faces or involve them in a comedy skit where you intentionally “misinterpret” things or do something “wrong” on purpose. The surprise will divert the child’s attention from their anger and make them curious about what will happen next.

Every child reacts differently to these situations, so it’s important to know where the line is and how far you can go with humor. There are times when it can be counterproductive.

The limits of humor in handling tantrums

It’s important to note that humor is not always the right solution. If a child is very angry or sad, humor may not help. In such cases, it’s important to calm the child down first and only then try to use humor to defuse the situation.

Humor can be an effective tool in parenting, but it’s important to use it wisely and with caution. When used at the right time and in the right way, humor can help relax tension, create a lighter atmosphere, and make parenting more enjoyable.

Less Tantrums, Less Stress, More Humor

Sometimes parents tend to take situations and themselves too seriously, which can cause anxiety and stress for them. This tense atmosphere can easily spread to children, who also start showing signs of stress and anxiety. A little humor and laughter can really alleviate parental worries. Laughter reduces stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, making everyone a little calmer.

How to Make Parenting More Humorous:

• Don’t take yourself too seriously. No one is perfect, and parents are no exception. Allow yourself to make mistakes and don’t sweat the small stuff.
• Look for humorous moments in everyday life. Children say and do a lot of funny things. Pay attention to these moments and laugh along with them.
• Spend time with humorous people. Laughter is contagious, and cheerful company can help you forget your troubles.
• Read funny books, watch comedies, and listen to funny music. Humor is a great form of entertainment and can help you relax after a stressful day.

Humor is Not a Magic Wand

Have you ever tried to calm your child down with humor in a crowded mall, with 1000 pairs of eyes demanding that you do something about your tantruming child? There are times when humor is not the best strategy, but in most cases, it is a very effective tool against anxiety. If we learn to laugh at ourselves and the situation, we can become happier and more balanced, which will also have a good effect on our children.

Remember: laughter is the best medicine!