Use Laughter to Connect with Other Parents Sharing humorous anecdotes about the ups and downs of parenting normalizes struggles, releases tension, and fosters a sense of community. Empathizing with others and finding shared amusement in the chaos of family life lightens burdens and reminds us that parenting, while demanding, also contains countless joyful, laughable moments worth savoring. Moms at Family Hui’s “Hui in Bloom” program, sharing smiles and laughter. Take a Step Back to Find a Funny Perspective Remind yourself that many conflicts will become stories you laugh about later. When overwhelmed, pause, breathe, and offer a light-hearted comment, such as, “I need a minute before my head explodes,” with a smile. The humor alone often defuses anger. “Sharing humorous anecdotes about the ups and downs of parenting normalizes struggles, releases tension, and fosters a sense of community.” 134 HAWAII PARENT January/February 2026 Karen K.C. Gibson, founder of “Letting Go with Aloha,” is a parent coach and author of One Hundred Parenting Tips Inspired by the Pandemic, Mama’s Gotta Let Go, and 365 Parenting Affirmations and Quotes. She also runs Brain Builders, a tutoring service since 1999, and co-authored The Power to Rise Above. Learn more at karenthebrainbuilder.com and lettinggowithaloha.com.
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