Parenting advice: Silly dad jokes could be good for your health, new research says | Amazon Alexa Let’s Get Silly

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Remember being a kid living in a world of imagination? The living room floor was lava and the outdoor playground was a princess castle, and it was just never-ending joy.

But now you’re an adult, that childlike wonder and desire to play has disappeared and been taken over by adult responsibilities like bills, work and raising children.

According to new research, you’re not alone.

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In a survey commissioned by Amazon Alexa of over 1,000 Australian parents, almost half of respondents (41 per cent) said they sometimes feel they have forgotten how to tap into their silly bone while navigating life and responsibilities, despite 81% stating they feel more connected to kids during silly play.

As for what’s holding them back, the biggest barrier to play for many respondents is household chores (71 per cent). That is closely followed by work (59 per cent), mental drain (48 per cent) and lack of time (48 per cent).

It appears many Aussie adults, especially those with kids, have lost touch with that childlike love for play despite knowing how beneficial it can be.

To inspire Aussie families balance play with “adulting”, Amazon Alexa has introduced ‘Alexa, Let’s Get Silly’ – an experience designed to spark micro moments of play.

Anyone with an Amazon echo device can simply say, ‘Alexa, Let’s Get Silly’ and the virtual assistant will launch a series of fun interactive experiences.

From loungeroom dance parties to silly sound quizzes and a musical library of farts which you can read more about here, the experience is designed to help Aussie families break free of everyday stresses and enjoy even just a minute of pure silly fun.

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Not only is play extremely beneficial for family bonding, it’s also known to support relationships, increase cooperation and aid a child’s mental, social and emotional development.

While many may struggle to find the time or the inspiration, parenting educator Gen Muir stresses that playtime with your children is a vital parenting tool. 

“Parenting today is tough. From my experience as a parent, humour, laughter and being silly are among the most underrated parenting strategies,” she says. 

“When a day is stuck, or the kids are not listening, even a minute of silly fun can be a lifeline for resetting the mood.”

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She adds that play can help kids feel more connected to their parents, become more cooperative and reduce stress for both parents and little ones. 

It can also help parents rediscover childhood joys, foster empathy and improve communication, she says. 

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“If getting ready for the day is a challenge or your evenings are being overtaken by household chores, ‘Alexa, Let’s Get Silly’ is the effortless fun generator for when you’re frazzled and silly ideas vanish,” Muir says. 

“I guarantee any joke about a ‘fart’ will be a hit, as will an impromptu getting-dressed dance party.”

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And for those who may be struggling to engage with play with their kids, Muir has some simple tips:

1. Embrace micro-moments

Look for small pockets of time throughout the day – even 10 minutes – to be silly. It doesn’t need to be a grand production; Alexa’s Silly Tricks should do the trick!

2. Integrate play into routine tasks

Turn chores into games, dance while getting ready with the Silly Dance Party, or take the Silly Sound Quiz during mealtimes.

3. Follow your child’s lead

Observe which silly experience most makes your child giggle – Silly Farts is a winner – and join in. Their interests are a great starting point for silly play.

4. Lower the stakes

Don’t worry about being the “perfect” playful parent. Just be present and have fun. Imperfect silliness is often the most memorable.

5. Prioritise connection over perfection

Focus on the feeling of connection rather than achieving a specific outcome or educational goal during playtime. Silliness is enough.

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If those days playing the floor is lava feel like a lifetime ago or your struggling to engage in play with your kids, perhaps Alexa can help you find your funny bone again. 

The ‘Alexa, Let’s Get Silly’ experience is available for Aussie customers to experience from today by saying ‘Alexa, Let’s Get Silly’ to any Amazon Echo device.

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