Psychology of parenting: humor and emotional regulation

Psychological experts are highlighting the role of humor and emotional management in child development. Clinical psychologist Maxi McCoubrey notes that ‘dad jokes’—simple, predictable, and often corny puns—can serve as a tool for emotional intimacy, creating a shared space of complicity and mutual recognition between parents and children.

Parallel to the use of humor, specialists emphasize the importance of teaching children to manage frustration. Neuropsychologist Regina Ascencio explains that frustration tolerance is not innate but is built through daily effort. By allowing children to experience and navigate minor disappointments, parents help them practice emotional regulation, which is essential for developing long-term resilience and emotional intelligence.