Even if your kids roll their eyes, keep making jokes, research says

When kids in my house got tense, my dad would use humor to address our feelings and resolve conflict. New research suggests that using humor in parenting can lead to a better relationship between parents and children. A study surveyed around 300 people about their experiences with humor in their upbringing and found that those raised by adults who used humor had a more positive view of their parents or caregivers. Humor can also help diffuse sour moods, promote problem-solving, and aid in coping with disappointment. However, it is important to use humor appropriately and avoid making children feel small or invalidated.