How Humor Can Strengthen Bonds With Your Children
Laughter breeds connection and unity and can make discipline easier for you both.
Psychologists say that keeping that sense of humor as you discipline your growing child makes your child feel connected and reduces conflict. Humor is about connection, and a positive relationship can help when you’re trying to calm a tantrum or illicit help around the house.
While there are situations that involve safety where a stern word is undoubtedly the right way to handle the situation, most parenting conflicts are much lower stakes. If every infraction results in a long discussion about how your child messed up, it can harm your relationship.
But, I want my kids to listen without question
Think about that again. Do you really want to teach your kids to accept authority without question? What someone in an authoritative position at schools makes an unfair or unsafe request? What if their future boss asks them to do something unethical?
Children are naturally curious, and recognizing that, and accounting for it can be significantly more effective if your goal is to raise self-sufficient adults.
