This Summer, Let Your Kids Teach You How to Laugh Again
Many parents will find themselves spending more time with their children during these warm months. So what’s a parent to do with a houseful of boisterous kids? Humor Therapist Jacki Kwan says that parents should make the most of this extra time, “because your kids can teach you valuable lessons in living a happier, less stressful life.”
(PRWEB) May 19, 2004
Just the mention of the word “summer” brings to mind long, lazy days filled with picnics, barbecues, and lounging by the pool. Summer also means the end of the school year. As such, many parents will find themselves spending more time with their children during these warm months. So what’s a parent to do with a houseful of boisterous kids? Humor Therapist Jacki Kwan says that parents should make the most of this extra time, “because your kids can teach you valuable lessons in living a happier, less stressful life.”
According to Kwan, “Children are the humor experts.” She points out that adults only laugh 10 times a day, while children laugh 60 times a day. “Somewhere through the years,” Kwan says, “we seem to forget that laughing makes us feel good and washes away the pressures of the day-to-day routine. Unfortunately, laughing and clowning around are problematic issues for many adults. They’re very self-conscious of what others think of them and are unable to let go and have a good laugh.” It may take some practice, but mastering the skill of laughter will have enormous payoffs, such as reduced stress levels and an increase in overall well-being.
Kwan acknowledges that it can be risky to laugh publicly, but the payoff is worth it. “Laughing will make you feel better. Regardless of how you perceive yourself, you do have a childlike essence within. Some people are just more comfortable letting it show than others. If people can put laughter in their lives, then that’s what the heart will hear and what the body will display. So, in essence, laughing can help us all achieve a greater sense of inner peace.”
So this summer, instead of wishing your children would act like little adults, play with your kids. Get in the kiddie pool, toss some water balloons, or join in a game of tag. Pay attention to what makes your kids laugh and try to see the humor in that situation. Soon you will be able to find the humor in everyday situations. When you laugh a little more each day, youÂ’ll watch your stress level go down.
Jacki Kwan is a Licensed Certified Social Worker at the Clinical Level, a Master Practitioner of Neuro-linguistic Programming, a Registered Laughter Leader with the World Laugher Tour™, and a Therapeutic Clown. She is the creator of HA! HA! LOGY®, a multi-faceted therapeutic humor program for healthcare facilities, and leads Laughter Club sessions at nursing homes and assisted living facilities in the Washington, DC area. Jacki has been presenting workshops on humor and health since 1994.
You can learn more about how to add more humor to your life in Jacki KwanÂ’s book, Almost Home: Embracing The Magical Connection Between Positive Humor & Spirituality (Cameo Publications, $14.99, ISBN 0-9715739-1-3). If you are interested in reviewing Almost Home or inviting Jacki Kwan to be a guest on your radio/television program, please contact Melinda Copp at 1-866-372-2636 or send an email to Melinda@cameopublications. com.
