How do I raise a funny kid?

[Anonymous]

Obviously I know some of this is just where your natural talent lies. And I don’t mean I want the next Jerry Seinfeld. But I’m wondering what I can do to raise a kid who is lighthearted, appreciates humor, and contributes to humorous conversations? Basically how do I grow a funny bone?

(Kindness, generosity and hard work are king in my house, so please don’t yell at me to focus on other stuff. This is extra)

[Anonymous]

Inflict psychological trauma and hope that humor is how they cope.

[Anonymous]

Just be like that yourselves. Dh and I are very witty and funny. We’re always making jokes. One of our kids Inherited the talent and was funny even from 1 years old.

[Anonymous]

It’s personality, OP. Appreciate the kid you have.

[Anonymous]

As you've said, a lot of this is ingrown personality.
I think one way to foster this is to seek out books and other media that feature a light-hearted, kind humor. (As opposed to the mean, sarcastic humor at the expense of others that is so often featured.) Peanuts or Calvin and Hobbes. Phantom Tollbooth and other books that use word play. Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (well, I guess that one's a little mean). I'm sure others will have other suggestions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just be like that yourselves. Dh and I are very witty and funny. We’re always making jokes. One of our kids Inherited the talent and was funny even from 1 years old.

The other will be the comedian.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Inflict psychological trauma and hope that humor is how they cope.

It worked for art buchwald.

[Anonymous]

Don't be an anxious parent.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:It’s personality, OP. Appreciate the kid you have.

Yup. One of my kids is naturally hilarious. The other one, not so much.

[Anonymous]

It’s like being able to dance or sing. Either you are born with it or you ain’t.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Obviously I know some of this is just where your natural talent lies. And I don’t mean I want the next Jerry Seinfeld. But I’m wondering what I can do to raise a kid who is lighthearted, appreciates humor, and contributes to humorous conversations? Basically how do I grow a funny bone?

(Kindness, generosity and hard work are king in my house, so please don’t yell at me to focus on other stuff. This is extra)

This was important to me too. I wanted a kid who could laugh at themselves, so I laughed at myself when I made mistakes, and basically teased myself out loud. In elementary school, we talked a LOT about knowing your audience. When you're in kindergartner and first grade, fart and poop jokes are funny. Personally, I don't find them funny.. So go tell your kid-friends those jokes. THEY will appreciate that humor.

I also raised my kids to notice funny things. They in turn learned to point them out and make funny quips.

Teasing is delicate, and goes back to knowing your audience - what one person will find hysterical will make another cry. There are some things to never joke about with certain people. OP, think of it as a journey. Not as in flipping a switch.

[Anonymous]

OP here. I thinking singing and dancing are different and require some natural talent. I think being a comedian is also a talent. But I think being funny in the sense of appreciating humor and maybe participating a bit can be fostered a bit. I think if I came asking how to encourage kindness and hard work people wouldn’t say just appreciate the lazy asshole you have.

I love and appreciate my kids for who they are. I also believe I can help them develop on certain directions. Maybe it will take, maybe it won’t but doesn’t hurt to try

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Inflict psychological trauma and hope that humor is how they cope.

HA. This comment was under-appreciated

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:As you've said, a lot of this is ingrown personality.
I think one way to foster this is to seek out books and other media that feature a light-hearted, kind humor. (As opposed to the mean, sarcastic humor at the expense of others that is so often featured.) Peanuts or Calvin and Hobbes. Phantom Tollbooth and other books that use word play. Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (well, I guess that one's a little mean). I'm sure others will have other suggestions.

+ 100. So many TV shows and movies today have sarcasm, even kids’ ones. I was watching a scene from Moana on mute (I’ve never seen the movie) and she’s scowling the entire scene. Why? Smiling is good. Being happy is good.

Also, keep them off social media because there’s a lot of sarcasm and “the world sucks” sentiment on there.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:As you've said, a lot of this is ingrown personality.
I think one way to foster this is to seek out books and other media that feature a light-hearted, kind humor. (As opposed to the mean, sarcastic humor at the expense of others that is so often featured.) Peanuts or Calvin and Hobbes. Phantom Tollbooth and other books that use word play. Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (well, I guess that one's a little mean). I'm sure others will have other suggestions.

+ 100. So many TV shows and movies today have sarcasm, even kids’ ones. I was watching a scene from Moana on mute (I’ve never seen the movie) and she’s scowling the entire scene. Why? Smiling is good. Being happy is good.

Also, keep them off social media because there’s a lot of sarcasm and “the world sucks” sentiment on there.

OMG.