128 HAWAII PARENT January/February 2026 A few years ago, I recorded three “Pep Talk for Parents” audio lectures for Insight Timer, a wellknown meditation app. The focus was on the idea that laughter strengthens the bond between parents and children. Not only does humor foster emotional safety, but it also boosts brainpower, reduces stress, and helps us maintain a healthier perspective. Humor provides a positive association, serving as a superglue for the soul, holding a family together when a tense moment threatens to tear it apart, like when your toddler decides to throw a plate of spaghetti all over your freshly vacuumed carpet. Think of shared laughter as an effective memory-maker, increasing the probability that your kids will remember something. Kids are far more likely to remember something fun than a stern lecture. By meeting mistakes with humor or kindness instead of frustration, you create a space where kids feel safe. They know they can come to you with their hurts and worries, without fear of being judged. by Karen K.C. Gibson
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