How to get your toddler laughing

5 EASY WAYS TO ENCOURAGE YOUR TODDLER'S SENSE OF HUMOUR

1. A sense of humour really does run in families - one sure-fire way of cultivating your toddler's is to be playful and funny yourself. Deal lightly with small catastophes, there really isn't any point crying over spilled milk - or cat food!
2. Take your toddler's humour seriously. OK, so those early attempts at telling a joke can be quite painful, but celebrate the fact your toddler is trying.
3. Read funny books together. He'll soon pick up on the rhythm and language of side-splitting stories!
4. Enjoy laughing together at a funny film or TV show - the more slapstick, the better.
5. Use humour to your advantage. Many a tantrum can be deflected by singing a silly song or walking a wobbly walk!

DID YOU KNOW?

1. Children, on average, laugh 300 times a day, while adults laugh just 15 times.
2. The area of the brain that produces laughter is also responsible for planning and organisation.
3. Giggling may even help your little one grow because a good laugh is known to produce growth hormones.