Fostering fun, wit and humour (4 to 6 years)

From the age of 4 to 6, all types of humour continue to grow - physical, verbal and creative. Children will find humour in more and more situations, and will also try to create situations which are humorous.

See our article on why humour is an important skill to develop in a child.

Here are some tips on how Indian parents can encourage a sense of humour in children between the ages of 4 and 6 (kindergarteners):

• Laugh with your child. Often they may find something funny that you don't. If it is not offensive, do laugh along with them. It gives them the encouragement they need to try and be humorous.
• Just act silly. Be a child yourself. For example, walk with exaggerated gestures or waddle like a penguin or walk backward. Do a silly dance.
• Use things in a way they are not meant, like, putting a toy on your head as a hat.
• Funny books with rhyming words, like the works of Dr. Seuss (Cat in the hat, Horton hears a who etc.), will be very entertaining from the age of 3
• When you are reading a book, there may be some funny or incongruous pictures in it. If your child comments on these, discuss it with them and laugh with them.
• At this age, children will also try to point out funny situations by themselves. Encourage them when the humour is appropriate. It will increase their confidence.
• Getting children to tell you a story themselves is a great way to create a funny situation.

Feel free to add any more tips in the comments below....