They say laughter’s the best medicine, and that’s kind of true.
No matter how stressed, upset, angry, or overwhelmed you might feel, when someone cracks a joke or a bit of banter that puts a smile on your face, it makes you forget your worries and feel happy, at least temporarily. Not only that, but you tend to feel closer to the people you laugh with, and that’s especially true when it comes to family. If you want to ramp up the chuckles with your relatives but aren’t sure how to do it, here are a few tips that might help.
1. Start a funny story tradition at dinner.
Instead of the usual “How was your day?” routine, mix things up by asking, “What was the funniest thing that happened today?” You’ll be surprised how quickly the mood lightens. It invites everyone to reflect on the lighter moments and share something that brought them joy or made them giggle, even if it was small.
A bit of levity turns dinner into something people look forward to. Even if the day wasn’t great, searching for one silly or lighthearted moment reminds everyone that humour can still be found, even on the tougher days.
2. Let go of perfection and laugh at the mess.
Spills, mix-ups, and awkward moments don’t have to be stress triggers—they can be shared laughs. When parents model laughing at themselves instead of reacting with frustration, it sets the tone for everyone else. Whether it’s burning dinner or someone showing up with mismatched shoes, taking things less seriously builds resilience and teaches kids that making mistakes is just part of being human—and often kind of funny.
3. Make silly playlists for different moods.
Create family playlists for moments like “morning chaos” or “clean-up time,” but instead of relaxing or serious music, go for goofy, upbeat tracks. A surprise dance break to a ridiculous song can totally shift the mood. Music has a way of unlocking silliness without trying too hard. When a chaotic morning suddenly turns into a lip sync battle, everyone loosens up. It’s not just background noise—it’s an invitation to connect and let go.
4. Keep a running joke or silly family phrase.
Inside jokes have a special kind of magic. When your family creates and repeats silly sayings, odd nicknames, or running gags, it becomes part of your shared language, and that builds connection in the funniest ways. It could be a mispronounced word someone said years ago or a dramatic way of announcing dinner. Whatever it is, these little in-jokes spark spontaneous laughs and help everyone feel part of something unique and lighthearted.
5. Watch comedies together regularly.
Find shows or movies that everyone enjoys and make laughter part of your weekly routine. Whether it’s a cartoon, a classic comedy, or something totally ridiculous, watching together creates a shared moment to relax and just laugh. Even better, the jokes from these shows often spill over into everyday conversations. Quoting lines, mimicking characters, or just sharing a memory of a funny scene can create mini laugh moments long after the credits roll.
6. Tell jokes—yes, even the bad ones.
Start a “joke of the day” habit or encourage everyone to bring one joke to dinner—even if it’s a total groaner. Dad jokes, knock-knocks, puns—it doesn’t have to be clever to be fun. The best part? Even the eye-rolls and groans become part of the shared experience. When everyone’s in on the fun, it builds a space where laughter is welcome and no one’s afraid to be a little ridiculous.
7. Play lighthearted games together.
Board games, charades, or games that prompt silly answers (like “Would You Rather”) are instant laugh starters. It’s not about winning; it’s about creating a space for spontaneous fun and unexpected giggles. When you make room for games that don’t take themselves too seriously, you also make room for more connection. Everyone drops their guard a little, and the result is usually equal parts chaos and laughter.
8. Celebrate weird little wins.
Did someone finally remember to put their socks in the laundry? Celebrate it like they won a gold medal. These exaggerated reactions add humour to the everyday and help everyone feel appreciated in a silly way. Making a big deal out of small, funny “victories” creates a playful atmosphere. It teaches kids that life doesn’t have to be so serious all the time—and sometimes, cheering for random success is a great excuse to laugh.
9. Be playful with how you give compliments.
Instead of just saying “Nice job,” try something like, “You must be part wizard to have cleaned your room that fast.” Giving praise with a side of humour makes it more memorable and fun. That little change creates a tone that’s light, loving, and not overly formal. You’re still recognising effort—you’re just wrapping it in a little joy. And that light-hearted delivery often sparks a smile in return.
10. Say “yes” to occasional silliness.
Sometimes laughter shows up when you least expect it, like when the kids want to wear Halloween costumes to dinner or build a pillow fort in the living room. Saying “yes” now and then keeps that playful spirit alive. You don’t have to be the “fun one” all the time. But allowing a bit of harmless chaos reminds everyone that laughter and spontaneity have a place in everyday life, not just on special occasions.
11. Take turns telling embarrassing stories (yep, even yours).
Nothing makes people laugh harder than a good embarrassing moment. When adults share their own awkward memories, it normalises imperfection—and shows that it’s okay to laugh at yourself. Kids love hearing that their parents were once just as clumsy, weird, or nervous. It opens the door for them to share their own moments too, turning cringe into comedy and bringing the family closer in the process.
12. Create space for laughter, even on hard days.
It’s okay to laugh even when things aren’t perfect. In fact, sometimes laughter is what makes a rough day feel a little lighter. Whether it’s a silly meme, a funny video, or just a shared “we made it through” moment—don’t feel like you have to wait for everything to be perfect to enjoy it.
Making space for humour in the midst of stress teaches resilience. It reminds everyone that tough times don’t erase joy completely—they just ask us to look for it more intentionally. And when you do, the relief is often immediate.
