Guaranteed Giggles

I interrupt your regularly scheduled program, Hooper-Isms, to bring you:

Six Ways to Make Your Children Laugh!

1. Hand them their pajama shirt and say, "Here, put your pants on!" Then when they say, "Mama, this is my shirt, not my pants!" you can hand them their pants and say, "Oh, you're right! Here, put your shirt on!" Guaranteed giggles. Or eye-rolling if you have a teenager, and I would not recommend this exercise for a teenager. Really. Not.


2. If you have an island in your kitchen, seat them on the other side of it for their meal, then pretend you are suddenly pulled down behind it, clawing and grabbing your way until you disappear. Then slap one hand on the counter and slowly pull yourself up, gasping and panting until you are "safe". Then do it all over again. Guaranteed hysterics. Even the baby loves this one!


3. If you can do impressions, and your children are familiar with Jerry Lewis, say, "Hey, lady!" at the top of your lungs, then poke your lips out and cross your eyes just as he does. They'll laugh incredulously, "Mama, you look just like him!", then they'll howl as you cross your arms and say, "You're not supposed to laugh at that!" (The Stooge, 1952)


4. Scare them. I mean, lie in wait outside the bathroom as they unsuspectingly come out, hiking up their jeans on their skinny waists, and say "Boo!" or "Rrrar!" This one lays my boys flat on the floor, scared, but laughing. Just be careful - they like to return the favor! And they might not be so good at choosing an opportune time - (does the phrase "I just want to poop in peace" ring a bell with any of you, dear readers?)


5. When the kids are getting into bed, say, "I'm sorry you're so tired!" They'll (almost) always say, "I'm not tired!" Just ignore it and say, "You must be so tired!" Again, they'll protest. Keep going - here are some options: "What's it feel like to be so tired?" "Oh, you look so tired!" "Honey, I know you're tired, it's okay!" Each phrase is met with, "But I'm not!" until they're laughing and grabbing you, trying to cover your mouth. I love it when they go to bed with smiles on their faces.


6. And the number one way to make your kids laugh is YOU - smiling and laughing! Actually, you may need to start with this one, if you are typically a serious Mama. Warm 'em up slowly!


I now return you to your regularly scheduled program. Well, you'll have to wait until next week, but please come back!


Have a laughter-filled weekend!