Laughter

Keeping everyday life fun is another valued part of the nurturing family.  Families should take every opportunity to enjoy fun and laughter in their family time.  Laughter and fun activities will increase health while increasing family bonds.  Laughter is known to reduce stress and pain, and aid in healing. 

What can I do to increase laughter in my home?

Here are some sure-fire ways to make your kids giggle…

• Fun games like cards or board games:  My family rolled
  
  on the floor laughing when we got a new silly game.  This game had us doing random things that were hilarious!  I found myself pretending to be a moon researcher, making beeping noises and scanning my surroundings, or being a ballerina with a tissue paper tutu.  The kids loved this silly game.
• Outside games:  Get out the ball and bat, and have a day of baseball fun!  If baseball isn’t your thing find a sport you can enjoy together.  Don’t make it about winning, but make it about fun.  My family enjoys an occasional basketball game of "pig" or "horse" and we laugh so hard at the crazy ways we score...and the crazy ways that mom misses!  
• Tickle them:  Take time for silly play.  Tickle those toes and bellies! 
• Music fun:  Turn up the beat!  Have a dance party.  Jump around and have a good time!
• Take turns sharing jokes:  You’d be surprised with the silly mayhem that ensues when you ask your little ones to tell a joke.  The whole family will be laughing.