Friday, January 19, 2007

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!

11 fellow travelers shared:

Melissa said...

Oh - thanks for this one! I tend towards serious momma and when I laugh uncontrollably my girls get to laughing tremendously and walk around with huge smiles on their faces.

Anonymous said...

Ditto on the last comment!

Miriam

Beverly said...

Having fun with children has to be one of the greatest blessings! These are some great ones .... can't wait to try them when Miss S is a little older. Now, I just make a complete fool of myself with odd faces and weird dances to make her laugh!

Anonymous said...

A-MEN!!!

This is a great post!!

Andrea said...

GREAT practical ways to "take on His yoke" and lighten the load in your house.

Keep 'em coming.

And...the "poop in peace" post is how I found you (via Raising Five, I think!!)

Jenn @ Knee-Deep in Munchkin Land said...

This is a wonderful post! There is nothing that warms my heart that hearing my daughter's uncontainable laughter. Regardless of why she's laughing, I'm so thankful for that sound!!

Christine said...

You are the cutest thing. I can just picture you clawing your way up to the counter...

Cindi said...

I thought of you today! We took our youngest two out to eat at Golden Corral. Our 9 yo boy had got a bowl of soft serve ice cream covered in gummy bears and chocolate. He overfilled the bowl. When he set it on the table the chocolate went everywhere and he said, "Look Mom I have a Messterpiece!"

Kendra said...

Children are such a rewarding audience, I love how they laugh so easily when many adults would just wonder what the heck we're doing! It sounds like you have such a fun home and are giving your children the experiences that will make for wonderful memories of their childhood. A home full of laughter is a happy home, indeed!

Laura said...

I'll have to try the island one out-too cute! I've done the pop out and scare thing before-she loves it. A recent favorite of mine-hopping like a bunny rabbit-works everytime! :-)

Anonymous said...

Yes, Elise...peace while in the bathroom would be such a blessing...

I'm glad I'm not the only one who has had this thougt! :)

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