Silly Power
The benefits of laughing together as a family.
The “power of silly” can bring families closer! Here are three good reasons to giggle together.
Strengthening Relationships
When everyone is “in on the joke,” humor helps families build positive relationships. It can even help us create goodwill and forgiveness. Laughter brings people together, and having “family jokes” helps everyone feel like they’re part of the team. Plus, everyone feels great when people laugh at their jokes!
Coping with Challenges
Humor can take the edge off of an emotional situation and give a new perspective. During big changes, humor helps everyone stay steady and relaxed and keep an open mind. When you can, and when it’s appropriate, find ways to laugh about stressful times in the present or in the past, help your family open up and cope with tough times. If the moment is right, you might just say, “Someday we’ll laugh about this!”
Physical Benefits
When you have a good, hard laugh, you lower your blood pressure, reduce stress, and strengthen your immune system. When you laugh, lots of your muscles are working. Laughter stimulates both sides of your brain, which helps with memory and staying focused. It can even help you forget about aches and pains!
Each Family Is Amazing
A video about different kinds of families.
Julia’s Family Gets Ready
A video about families pulling together.
Sibling Guide
Four printable pages to help siblings of autistic children explore their thoughts and feelings.
A Sibling Story
A video about the role of siblings in families touched by autism.
The Wiggle-Jiggle Game
A video about a getting-to-know-you game that helps kids appreciate similarities and differences.
Barbershop Bonding
A video about the community bonds of the Sesame Street barbershop.
Take Your Child to Work Day
A video about “take your child to work” day, and the bonding, learning and inspiration that can take place there.
