Blogging A to Z: J is for Joy and L is for Laughter
Encouraging laughter and joy everyday in a home as a parent brings challenges, but when you deliberately seek joy, love shines through even in difficult times.
My husband is the joy and laughter provider in my household.
4 Ways I Learned From My Husband
To Fill Our Home with Joy and Laughter
1. Have fun. I know that sounds overly simple and a given, but sometimes, as parents, we are too concerned about school work, discipline, and keeping an orderly home. I know I get caught up in the spiral of making sure my daughter makes great grades, helps around the house, and behaves well. I am Mrs. Order to my husband’s Mr. Joy.
He believes in order and discipline, don’t get me wrong. He stresses the importance of completing work and meeting responsibilities, but he loves to take time to play with my daughter and our grands. He loves to make them laugh with his funny antics.
Oh, no. Something is trying to pop out. What is it?
How did he get in there?
2. Remember to set deliberate times to just play to allow joy and laughter in your homelife.
He allows playtime to create an atmosphere of joy. My daughter and her friend enjoy a roll down the hill.
While I would worry about them getting hurt, he allows them to frolic and play. I am like, “Please be careful.” He, however, says have fun, laugh, and play.
3. Purposefully seek the humor and joy in a situation. Our family faces trying times just like anyones elses. In the midst of these times, you step outside of it all and just find something to be joyful about.
My husband is good about this at times. We get lost on a vacation, and he laughs at my frustration. Just laughs. His laughter is infectious.
Sometimes when we’ve had bad news, we play a game of remember the time. Before we know, we are laughing and and chortling as we recall funny events. The room fills with the sound of joy and laughter.
4. As a former librarian, this one is my idea, but he inspires it. Read a funny book. Every time we go a book fair at my daughter’s or grandkids’ school, my husband tries to find the cutest and funniest books to read. Here are few we have discovered through the years guaranteed to produce joy and laughter.
Claire Freedom has lots of great books to produce laughter. 😉
Nick Bruel’s books are a favorite in our home. Laughter guaranteed. 🙂
Other great funny authors to check out: Kate Mullan, Peggy Rathmann, Doreen Cronin, and Karen Beaumont.
I hope these tips encouraged you.
[tweetthis twitter_handles=”@Maryandering” url=”https://www.maryanderingcreatively.com/finding-joy-and-laughter-in-parenting/”]How do you encourage laughter and joy in your home? Share your ideas in comment section.[/tweetthis]
This post is for letter J and L in the 2016 A to Z Blogging Challenge. Learn more about it here.
I will also join several of the hops listed on my Link-up Parties page.
Disclosure: This post includes affiliate ads. If you use one to purchase a book from Amazon, I receive a small percentage of the sale. Thanks for your support.
This is a brilliant post. It made me smile just to read it! Thanks for sharing this post at Booknificent Thursday on Mommynificent.com this week!
Tina
Tina at Mommynificent recently posted…Booknificent Thursday Link Up Party #144
Tina, I loved writing it. I hope it encourages parents. 🙂
Doing a good job on your posts.
Don’t give up on the Challenge.
Please feel free to combine a few letters, like above, to catch up!
Please make sure visitors can find your A to Z posts easily!
Thank you!
Heather M. Gardner / @hmgardner
Co-Host, Blogging from A to Z April Challenge
The Waiting is the Hardest Part
Such a feel good post to bring energy and bundle of joy at home. Happy family time:)
Vishal Bheeroo recently posted…#AtoZChallenge: N for Numb
Vishal thanks so much for stopping by. Yes joy in the home is a priority with me. 😉
Mary Hill recently posted…Finding Joy and Laughter in Parenting
I tend to let the serious look appear too often. I’m just focused on getting work done. while my family thinks I’m in a mood because of the lack of smiles and laughter. I do need to be more intentional about having fun goof-off moments with them.
Thanks for the reminder!
Tami recently posted…The Importance of Family Devotions {Literacy Musing Mondays}
That’s such a happy post and your husband is such a great guy. Stay blessed!
Parul recently posted…N for Networked Feminism #AtoZChallenge
It is so important to keep one’s humor intact. Especially when one is a parent. So many responsibilities and so less time, often does snatch away such things from life. Good to know you have a companion that lays stress on the same 🙂
Cheers
Geets recently posted…N- Naughty
You can never take life too seriously. 🙂
Lux G. recently posted…Only The Best For The Best – Mother’s Day Giveaway
Finding your blog through the A-Z Challenge and so pleased I did as I’ve been reading all of your interesting posts 🙂 Some wonderful photos for today which capture so perfectly examples of joy and laughter in your family life! Now that our children are leaving the nest I am very glad of our cats who never cease to amuse us with their antics 🙂
Pempi
A Stormy Sidekick
Special Teaching at Pempi’s Palace
Hi, I am glad you stopped by too. I am headed over to check out your blog. 😉
Mary Hill recently posted…Finding Joy and Laughter in Parenting
Being happy in trying times is the key!
Tina From
The Sunny Side of Life
Twinkling Tina Cooks
Tina Basu recently posted…Mexican Corn Salad
Tina, so true. Thanks for your support.
Mary Hill recently posted…Finding Joy and Laughter in Parenting
Delightful post! Yes, we need fun and laughter in our lives!!
Holly, I appreciate you. Thanks so much for stopping by.
Mary Hill recently posted…Finding Joy and Laughter in Parenting
Joy and laughter is so important for a healthy family life. If it isn’t fun to be at home, the kids and the parents will start looking elsewhere for good times. The independence is important, but it’s good to have that home base to look forward to going back to.
Arlee Bird
A to Z Challenge Co-host
Arlee Bird recently posted…Literature and Arts (#atozchallenge)
Arlee, thanks for stopping by. Your comment is so accurate. I heard a sermon that focuses on the Prodigal Son. I f you want your children later in life to return home no matter what happens or what mistakes they make, you need to give them a home filled with love, laughter, and fun.
Mary Hill recently posted…Finding Joy and Laughter in Parenting
I love that you look for something to find joy in even when going through trying times. I also know what you mean about being the one who always worries while the husbands can help bring laughter and joy with the kids. 🙂 Blessings to you, Mary.
Gayl Wright recently posted…K is for Komodo Dragon