Kids Who Laugh : How to Develop Your Child's Sense of Humor (Paperback)

~ Louis R. Franzini Ph.D. (Author) "THE KEY TO UNDERSTANDING HUMOR is to realize that it is simply an enigma wrapped in a conundrum, disguised as a puzzle..." (more)
Key Phrases: Moderate Cost, Low Cost, Sesame Street (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

Centenarians often claim that "a sense of humor" contributed to their long lives. People who can laugh can also better endure life's ups and downs, find pleasure, cope with stress, and make life fun for those around them. Developing a sense of humor in kids takes effort, says clinical psychologist Franzini, but it's worth it. Describing how essential it is to nurture a sense of humor, Franzini gives specifics on what's amusing to infants, preschoolers, and older children. Peek-a-boo, for example, is great fun for infants, while second graders think the forbidden (e.g., the word underwear) is hilarious. The author distinguishes between hurtful and healthy humor, and he shows how to use humor in the classroom (while discouraging class clowns). Franzini has served as the president of Laughmasters and Toastmasters International Club. His is a thorough and convincing book. Perhaps readers obsessed with getting their child into the right preschool or moving up the social ladder will take a second look at their priorities. Linda Beck, Indian Valley P.L., Telford, PA
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 224 pages
• Publisher: Square One Publishers (February 2002)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0757000088
• ISBN-13: 978-0757000089
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #427,632 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Humor - A Learned Behavior, July 20, 2002

By	Roberta W. Lyon (Maitland, FL USA) - See all my reviews

This book has information anybody can use. Even if your children are grown or you've retired from teaching. You probably have nephews, nieces, grand kids or neighbor kids.
Incidentally, it's never too late to learn.

This is an interesting, easy to read, informative book. Positive and full of good ideas. It dispels for once and for all the myth that some of us are born with a sense of humor and some are not. The author shows that this is not true. Everybody, especially kids, can learn to develop, and use, their sense of humor. Great examples and practices as well as interesting websites are chronicled. Exceptional children are also taken into consideration. As the author says, "exceptional kids like to laugh too." Don't we all.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Very Worthwhile, April 18, 2002

By A Customer

Kids Who Laugh is a very informative, enjoyable and worthwhile book. I believe that one of the most important gifts I can give to my children is the gift of a sense of humor. Dr. Franzini, with his insightful text and helpful techniques, helps a parent achieve this goal. Dr. Franzini makes a convincing argument that a sense of humor is a learned trait and, after reading this book, I agree. Even if you already have a well developed sense of humor, this book helps you transfer that trait to your children.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally, May 1, 2002

By	Laura Buss (Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida USA) - See all my reviews

Finally a parenting book that deals with teaching children a skill that will be all-important in any future relationship. It also teaches how to discourage inappropriate humor in a positive manner.

This book would be a wonderful guideline for teachers who want to incorporate humor in the classroom. And as teachers are role models for children this is an excellent place to develop this skill.

Kids Who Laugh is written in an easy and witty style and it is apparent that Dr. Franzini has an excellent sense of humor himself.

I would recommend this book to every parent who thinks that laughter in life is important.