Be Silly

Parenting is the most important job you’ll ever have. But instead of taking everything so seriously, childhood experts say having fun and being silly is one of the best approaches to parenting.

“Let’s face it, kids are silly at heart,” says youth development professional Greg Hood in an article for Parent.com. “It’s part of their development as they grow and mature. Somewhere along the line, as adults, we’ve learned that being silly has negative consequences. Try putting a rubber chicken on your boss’s desk and see what happens.”

According to Hood, it’s natural as we “train” our children for adulthood, we teach them not to be so silly, and we certainly don’t partake in it.

“We’re serious about wanting to be the best parents we can possibly be. But one of the best things you can do as a parent is to embrace the silliness,” he says.

Studies have shown that being silly and having fun with your child can have positive effects in such areas as comfort and safety; coping with stress; bonding; positive discipline and healthy choices; and creativity. In addition, the simple act of playing helps bridge the connection between parent and child.

“We need to spend more time joining children where they live, instead of all the time dragging them into our world, which is the world of schedules and chores and planned activities,” says Lawrence Cohen, a Massachusetts-based psychologist and author of “Playful Parenting. “Those things have to be done, but when they take over our family’s life, what gets short changed is play.”

By being silly with your kids, you’ll feel more relaxed, close and know you’re making an impact. More importantly, your connection with strengthen and both of you will form more capability to enjoy life’s journey.

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