Raising children is a challenge, during the best of times. During the worst of times, it can be disparaging. Humor itself can take many forms. One application is for parents, during a stressful situation, to laugh at themselves. We all make mistakes and chuckling at ourselves during these dangerous moments can not only relieve the tension in the room but can also teach your child that life shouldn't be treated so seriously.
Parents can also make a soft joke of their child's mistake.
These jokes should be in good taste and take into consideration the sensitivity of the child. Some children are crushed by what others would consider a harmless jest. Remember, the object of this parenting tool is to decrease stress not increase bad feelings. This second application of humor also teaches children that life shouldn't be treated too seriously. It encourages children to pick themselves up, dust themselves off, and go on after a mistake was made.