One of the most important things for children is to laugh. It helps them develop physically, mentally, and emotionally. In addition, laughter strengthens bonds between people and can serve as a valuable social tool. Let's talk about some reasons why laughter is so important for children and go into the details: Physical DevelopmentLaughter is an excellent way for children to get some exercise. Believe it or not, "Laughter is linked to the healthy function of blood vessels," (Science Daily), leads to increased blood flow, and, less surprisingly, burns calories. Mental DevelopmentLaughter can relieve stress. In fact, "humor buffers the impact of negative life events on psychological well-being" (Rahmel Dixon, 2020). Humor is a positive coping mechanism that helps children (and adults) deal with anxiety and difficult situations. Emotional DevelopmentLaughter strengthens relationships. Laughing together with your children is a bonding experience. It builds trust and a foundation for communication. Social DevelopmentLaughter is an excellent way for children to connect with others. In addition, humor can defuse tense situations and help to put things into perspective, making it an essential social tool to master. This week's activity posts were all about jokes: |