Children learn the sense of humor from parents
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
It turns out that the sense of humor of a child is inherited from the parents.
American scientists from the Johnson State College and the University of New Hampshire conducted a series of observations on the reactions of babies 6-12 months on the laughter of their parents. It turned out that the children closely follow the reaction of moms and dads when they laugh, and try to laugh at the same moment.
The study involved 30 children. Their reactions to normal and absurd situations were recorded. During absurd situations, children sought support from their parents and turned to them for a kind of emotional guidance. Scientists call this an emotional binding.
Earlier it was found out that on the same principle the kids are looking for support from their parents in dangerous situations. If they see that the father or mother is afraid, then they also start to worry and fear.
The sense of humor in children develops a little later and, finally, the experts found out what motivates the children when they laugh.
In the course of the experiment, two similar situations were played before the mothers and their six-month-old children. The host showed them a picture book, while holding a red ball in his hand. Mom, which was previously agreed, did not show any emotion and sat quietly. But then the situation became ridiculous: the presenter put the book on his head, put on a red nose and began to sing something. Mom started to laugh (according to instructions).
Not all the children started to pick up Mom's merriment, but most watched closely their reaction.
This is how, according to scientists, a relationship is formed between the absurd situation and the right reaction to it. Thus, children tend to repeat this social model of behavior in the future.
"Already at the age of six months, children see the parents' reactions to different situations, for them, fathers and mothers are a source of emotional information and an example of behavior. The children accumulate enough life experience to 12 months, and then they have their own opinion, not so much dependent on the reactions of the parents. At least the child can distinguish the usual situation from ridiculous, "- the study authors say.
