World Laughter Day: How Laughter Benefits Growth And Development Of Kids

Laughter, whether it be a delicate titter or a tummy rumbling guffaw, is indeed a major milestone for your baby. It also means that the little one is developing critical emotional and social capabilities. 

Usually, the first laugh occurs around the time when the baby is three to four months old. However, these laughs might not necessarily be due to an understanding of the situation.

The little one has just stumbled upon a sound and will soon want to continuously make it regardless of whether or not something is actually funny. Laughter is not only a part of the child’s emotional and social development, but also a part of their intellectual development.

According to psychologists, laughter helps children to make sense of their world and enjoy life. It also promotes sociability, empathy, self-esteem and problem solving skills in them. We are here to talk about why laughter is essential for babies?

Why Is Laughter Good For Babies?

Here are some of the reasons why laughter is essential for babies:

Psychological Benefits

Laughter is beneficial not only for the psychological development of babies but also for the little one’s physical health. Some of these benefits are:

1. Improves blood circulation

2. Improved sleep and digestion

3. Triggers the brain to boost the mind

4. Assists the growing of intelligence

5. Re-energized body and relaxed muscles

6. Strengthens the immune system

7. Helps the brain activate memory, decision-making, and emotional processing

8. Improves mental health and releases endorphins (the ‘feel-good’ hormones)

Societal Benefits

Smiling and laughing helps your little one to improvise the way he/ she perceives the surrounding world. This enhances their ability to see the world from another person’s perspective.

It also develops empathy and helps them become a better problem-solver later in life. Laughter distracts your child from negative emotions such as guilt and anger.

Moreover, laughter is contagious. You will laugh when you see your baby laughing. This leads to everyone’s mood being improved. Hence, everyone involved reaps the benefits of laughter.

Developmental Benefits

Laughter diffuses stress and is a crucial part of the child’s all-round development.

Laughter improves humour that helps to develop creativity. Creativity helps them to look at things from a different perspective.

When the child is a year older, he/ she thinks outside the box, enjoys the playful part of life, and becomes more spontaneous.

According to Dr. Pooja Marathe, “children who laugh regularly are less likely to suffer from depression and are more resistant to physical problems and illnesses.”

She further said, “Children laughing have also been shown to sleep better as they go to bed happier and more at peace”.

No wonder, laughter is a reinforced developmental skill and a good medicine. Making your babies laugh is one of the greatest perks of parenting. It’s never too early to commence instilling a good sense of humour in your children by making them laugh. So, are you ready to make many memorable moments filled with laughter with your babies?