Sense of Humor

It's been fun for me to watch Barrett develop a sense of humor.  He, at almost 2 1/2, "gets" it...he understands when you're kidding around or making jokes.  For example:  we spend lots of time looking for various favorite vehicles when we're out in the car...like fire trucks, garbage trucks, school buses, motorcycles, boats, etc.  Whoever spots one MUST yell, "Fire truck!"  or "Mailman!"  or "a big bus!" 

Recently, I asked him, "Are you a garbage boy?"  And he immediately responded, "NOOOO! are you a garbage girl?"  Then, turning to his grandfather, he said, "E-daddy a garbage man!"  I said, "Well, then, what is grandmommy?"  "A garbage girl," he replied, laughing.

Another day I asked him if he were ready to take his nap (now that was a silly question, right?)  He replied, "No, I want to play!"  I said, "Well, how about 5 more minutes of playing, then your nap?"  He said, "Well, how about playing!"  In other words, he made a joke when I was being serious!  His daddy said, "Was that smart-alecky?"  I don't think it was; I just think he's picking up on phrases like "How about..." and wanted to use it himself.

A sense of humor comes in pretty handy in many instances, whether you are 2 1/2 or 63.  I could use a healthy sense of humor many times myself.  It diffuses tension...keeps things light...elevates the mood.  I've noticed that persons with good senses of humor seem to enjoy life a lot...and don't get too caught up in stress, when they can laugh at situations and at themselves. 

It's something I'm working on, as I don't tend to have much of a sense of humor naturally.  Barrett is helping me here.  It's just refreshing to carry on conversation with an innocent little guy who is bright and happy and interested in learning and conversing on many levels.  Most often, our conversations make me smile.  Now that's healthy for sure!

So...next time you find yourself in a depressing...or upsetting...or fretful mood or situation, find yourself a little tot and make some jokes...or ask some silly questions...or use funny words or games to lighten your mood.  If no tots are available, just be silly with whoever's around...or just with yourself.

Life can be tough...there are enough bad things and bad news out there to get any of us down.  Developing and using a good, healthy sense of humor may be just what the doctor ordered.  Children can be natural clowns, and just  hanging out with them can be better than a dose of medicine or vitamins!

Thank you, sweet Barrett, for keeping Grandmommy young and laughing...just one more reason I love you so!