How to Use Humor to Calm a Child

Posted by Anonymous , 9/5/2007 Tags:UseHumorCalmChild
Post By :
Anonymous
Rate:
Vote

How to Use Humor to Calm a Child

Introduction

When a child gets worked up because of fear, pain or anger, it may seem impossible to calm her down. One of the best ways to get a child to relax is to distract the child with humor. Silliness simply comes naturally to children and it is difficult for them to resist a good giggle. Laughter is the best medicine for a child in distress.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Steps

1

Step One

Develop your own sense of humor by finding comedy in books, magazines, TV and movies that appeal to you.
2

Step Two

Create a positive rapport with the child. This will enable you to joke and tease without offense. Understand what is humorous to a child by watching popular kid's channels, movies or reading children's books.
3

Step Three

Calm a child experiencing fear or anxiety by making a joke or fun game out of the situation. A child afraid of the dentist may benefit from silly dentist jokes or goofy faces while in the dentist's chair.
4

Step Four

Overexaggerate when a child is crying in pain, but is not severely hurt. Wail in dramatic fashion about how the paper cut surely means an early grave.
5

Step Five

Mimicking an angry child can result in the child laughing or becoming angrier, so read the situation carefully before proceeding. Make a pouty face and whine until their anger breaks and you have a chance to discuss the problem.

Tips & Warnings

  • Never underestimate the power of a silly dance.
  • If it seems humor isn't working, try another tactic and don't push the child further into his tantrum.
  • Don't use humor when it comes to naughty words. Children need to know their boundaries.
Tools: |