Humor is good for kids. It is something they learn rather than something they are born with. You can help them learn about humor.

In the beginning, kids need physical clues to laugh at because they don’t know much about words. They will laugh at tickling, peek-a-boo, or how people look (funny faces or wearing clothes in funny ways).

Eventually, words can be funny—silly words or unusual sounds. What makes them funny is that the sounds in the words are different than how children usually hear them. For example, “ooey gooey,” “bug-a-boo,” and “squiggly wiggley.”

Later, all things unexpected or different than usual might make them laugh – things out of order or not true – like backwards, upside down, or inside out things.

And after a while, kids will start trying to make you laugh. Invite your children to make you laugh, give them your undivided attention, and see what happens. Remember to laugh with them – funny or not.