My Number One Parenting Tip Is to Have a Sense of Humour
Parenting is not for the faint of heart. It’s messy, loud, unpredictable, and occasionally sticky in places you didn’t even know could be sticky. But if I had to give one single piece of advice that’s carried me (and thousands of families I’ve worked with) through the trenches of toddlerhood, it would be this:
Have a sense of humour.
Learn to laugh at the little things
Provided your child is safe, it’s okay to give away to a case of the giggles when things do not go according to plan.
Because if you can laugh through the chaos, you’re already winning.
When You Don’t Laugh… You Cry
Every parent has had that moment. The one where your child proudly announces they’ve brushed their teeth all by themselves… only to discover they used the dog’s toothbrush. Or when your toddler decides the best place to “hide” your car keys is in the bin, on garbage day.
You could lose your mind, or you could laugh. Because truthfully, these are the moments you’ll retell for years. These are the stories that become family legends, not the perfectly planned, Pinterest-worthy moments.
Why Humour Matters in Parenting
Having a sense of humour doesn’t mean you’re not taking things seriously, it means you’re choosing your energy wisely.
Parenting is full of things you can’t control: the nap refusals, the food strikes, the epic meltdowns over the wrong-coloured cup.
When you respond with humour instead of frustration, a few important things happen:
You model emotional regulation. Your child sees that even when things don’t go to plan, it’s okay to stay calm and lighthearted.
You diffuse tension. Laughter releases stress hormones and shifts the energy in the room instantly.
You connect. Shared laughter builds connection and connection builds cooperation.
How to Build More Humour Into Your Parenting
Pause before reacting. BE MINDFUL. Take a breath, or three, before diving into discipline or frustration.
Narrate the moment with comedy. Turn it into a mini play: “Ladies and gentlemen, we are now witnessing the world’s slowest teeth brushing!”
Collect the funny. Write down your family’s funniest moments. Read them back on the tough days.
Remember: safe is enough. If your child is safe, fed, and loved, the rest can usually be laughed off.
When You Laugh, You Lead
Parenting is a long game. You’re not just teaching your child to say “please” and “thank you” you’re teaching them how to handle life when it doesn’t go their way.
And a parent who can laugh through the chaos? That’s the kind of leader every child needs.
So the next time you find yourself scrubbing spaghetti off the ceiling or discovering a crayon mural on your wall, take a breath and remember this too shall pass… and one day, it’ll make a hilarious story.
Feeling like you’ve lost your parenting spark? I send out weekly tips and stories that remind you how to laugh through the chaos. Join my free parenting newsletter and start enjoying parenthood again. One giggle at a time.
If you’re feeling stuck in the serious side of parenting, I can help you find your way back to joy. Book a free 15 minute call today and let’s create more laughter (and less stress) in your home.
