If you have a child who is at least 3 years old, you’ve likely endured a few silly knock-knock jokes and witnessed their laughter over the most peculiar cartoons. You’ve probably found yourself thinking, “I really don’t understand what’s so funny about that.” Kids certainly have a unique sense of humor! Until recently, we lacked a clear timeline regarding when they start to cultivate their own comedic tastes.
A new research initiative known as the Early Humor Survey (EHS) sheds light on this topic. You might be taken aback to learn just how early children start to appreciate humor. The survey involved nearly 700 parents from the US, UK, and Australia. Remarkably, parents noted various instances of their young children enjoying humor or even creating it on their own during their first year of life. In fact, over 75% of parents reported that their babies were laughing by just two months old, and nearly all parents confirmed laughter by their child’s first birthday.
As children grow, their understanding of humor matures as well. While infants may not fully grasp the concept of humor, they can certainly recognize happiness and smiles. The authors of the EHS found that kids generally begin appreciating humor before they can express it verbally. This aligns with previous studies indicating that humor develops alongside motor, social, and language abilities. By age 3, most children are capable of telling their own “jokes,” although they start recognizing humor much earlier in their toddler years. So, when your 10-month-old giggles during a game of peekaboo, it’s not just a coincidence; they’re actually developing their own sense of humor.
Why is Humor Important for Children?
According to KidsHealth, children with a strong sense of humor tend to be happier and more optimistic, possess higher self-esteem, and manage differences—both their own and those of others—more effectively. Kids who can appreciate and share humor are often more liked by their peers and can better cope with the challenges of childhood, such as moving to a new town or dealing with teasing from classmates.
Research has shown that individuals with a good sense of humor are less prone to depression and generally exhibit a more positive outlook on life. As their primary role models, we parents greatly influence our children’s sense of humor through our interactions with them.
Ways to Foster Humor in Your Children
Here are some ways to foster humor in your children: share laughter with them, even when their jokes are puzzling; tell silly stories; and point out humor in various contexts, like the books you read together or the shows you watch. While it’s essential to nurture healthy forms of humor, it’s equally important to steer them away from humor that can be harmful, such as bullying or teasing.
As a parent, I’ve noticed how my kids’ jokes evolve from simple peekaboo antics to the classic “poop jokes.” Studies like the EHS provide insights into the significance of those early giggles.
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In summary, children begin to develop a sense of humor earlier than many may think, with laughter observed as early as two months. As they grow, their comedic understanding evolves, contributing to their happiness and social skills. Parents play a pivotal role in guiding this development, encouraging healthy humor while discouraging harmful types.