Almost everyone needs it, asks for it, gives it, but almost nobody takes it. What is it?

Advice. 

Here’s some great advice that’s backed by research: Tell your kids some jokes. In this episode of the All Pro Dad Podcast, host Ted Lowe is joined by BJ Foster and Bobby Lewis to talk about how dads who use humor in parenting have better relationships with their kids.

This doesn’t have to be a riddle. It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just try to figure out how to incorporate humor into your parenting style. Your kids will appreciate your effort and interpret it as love. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Be willing to look like a goof around your kids.

Why This Matters

There are many benefits of laughter. A study conducted by Penn State University revealed that people whose parents used humor generally viewed their upbringing positively and tended to have a better relationship with their parents when they became adults.

Key Takeaways

• Benefits of Laughter: A parent’s use of humor directly impacts the quality of their relationship with their children.
• “Good” Parents Tell Jokes: 63% of individuals with good parent relationships reported their parents used humor.
• Researcher’s Opinion: “My hope is that people can learn to use humor as an effective parenting tool, not only to diffuse tension but develop resilience and cognitive and emotional flexibility in themselves and model it for their children,” said Benjamin Levi, professor of pediatrics and humanities at Penn State College of Medicine.

Practical Tools for Dads

Look for ways to incorporate jokes and humor in your parenting, like these:

1. 1. Start Small and Simple:

• Silly Faces and Sounds: Make funny faces, goofy noises, or exaggerate your movements. Kids, especially younger ones, love this.
• Playful Teasing (with caution): Gently tease them about something lighthearted, like a funny face they made or a silly thing they said. Make sure it is always in fun, and never mean.
• Funny Voices: Try reading a book or telling a story with different character voices.

2. 
   2. Embrace the Absurd:

• Exaggerate Everyday Situations: If they spill something, act like it’s a major disaster in a comical way (“Oh no! The Great Milk Flood of 2024!”).
• Make Up Silly Songs: Create short, nonsensical songs about everyday activities.
• Use Props: Wear a silly hat or put on some funny glasses.

3. 
   3. Find the Funny in Everyday Moments:

• Self-Deprecating Humor: Lightly poke fun at yourself. Kids love seeing their parents be human.
• Look for the Unexpected: Point out funny things you see in the world around you.
• Watch Funny Shows and Movies Together: Find age-appropriate comedies and laugh together.

4. 
   4. Be Playful:

• Make Up Silly Games: Create simple, goofy games that involve movement and laughter.
• Use Toys in Unexpected Ways: Make your child’s toys do funny things.

Important Episode Timestamps

(00:00 – 00:54) Introduction & Meet the Hosts
Ted Lowe, Bobby Lewis, and BJ Foster introduce the episode and its theme.

(00:54 – 02:08) Big Question: What’s Your Best April Fools’ Memory?
The hosts share their most memorable pranks and practical jokes.

(02:08 – 05:32) Family Pranks & Classic April Fools’ Jokes
Funny family traditions and how humor strengthens bonds.

(05:32 – 07:17) The History of April Fools’ Day
How April 1st became the global day for pranks and jokes.

(07:17 – 09:06) Famous April Fools’ Hoaxes
Legendary pranks, from the Spaghetti Tree to Google Nose.

(09:06 – 12:33) Why Humor is Essential in Parenting
The research-backed benefits of laughter.

(12:33 – 14:44) How Laughter Builds Stronger Relationships
Creating joyful memories and reducing stress through humor.

(14:44 – 18:07) Funniest Family Traditions & Inside Jokes
Silly rituals, bedtime games, and how humor becomes part of family identity.

(18:07 – 24:25) Practical Ways to Add More Laughter to Parenting
Simple ways to inject humor into daily routines and connect with kids.

(24:25 – 26:42) Pro Move of the Week: Pull a Fun Prank on Your Kids

APD Pro Move:
Try some humor this week. Learn a new dad joke or pull off a prank. Try to bring some joy to your home through humor and see what happens.

Sponsor:
The All Pro Dad Podcast is proudly brought to you by Family First, a nonprofit dedicated to equipping parents with resources to strengthen their families. Learn more at FamilyFirst.net.