January/February 2026 HAWAII PARENT 129 By using humor as a natural approach to communication and interaction, parents can: • Boost creativity and critical thinking skills • Promote values • Teach good moral behavior and civic responsibility • Instill trust and confidence • Provide children with a means of coping with sadness, disappointment, and grief Laughing is Healthy When children experience less emotional turbulence at home, they tend to panic less when facing problems and build resilience without even realizing it. An ultimate emotional immunity booster. Laughter can reduce blood pressure, provide a gentle workout for the cardiovascular and respiratory systems, and release endorphins, the brain’s feel-good chemicals. Teaching children about these benefits helps them recognize that humor can be a useful mental fitness tool they can call on throughout life. As a family coach, I witness that shared family jokes, playful routines, or a silly bedtime story can reinforce the habit of finding joy even in ordinary moments.
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