Comments on: What Makes Your Child Laugh?

By: Dana Childress, M.Ed.

Dana Childress, M.Ed. — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 15:44:38 +0000

So well said, Vicki! You’re right, many parents are expecting more formal questions or questions that focus on problems. Imagine how stressful that can be, to have to answer questions like that coming from strangers. Asking an question like this one instead can set the tone, put the parent at ease, and help you get where you eventually need to be, which is exploring “family stuff” that may feel quite personal. I love what you said about this being “huge for parent responsiveness.” Parent responsiveness is what EI is all about! Thanks for adding your perspective!

By: Vicki Mulvey

Vicki Mulvey — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 15:12:53 +0000

As an Early Interventionist I know there is not that one “magical” question to get a family to share all the situations, activites and interests we want to learn about, but this question can be a game changer. I often ask “what makes him/her giggle?” It can completely change the tone or the direction of a visit. Many families I meet have children who have tons of medical stuff going on. What they expect from others is an update – almost like morning rounds at a hospital – an update on appts/conditions/feeding amounts/meds etc…so the question about giggling makes them stop, think and usually smile themselves – if it is a child smiling or that infectious giggle – we then talk about real family stuff. Also, if a parent/caregiver is only seeing the negative in a child – it can move the direction of the conversation to sharing stories of when things go well, what is fun or easy. Huge for parent responsiveness. And I get to learn about the playful side of the parent/caregiver.

By: Dana Childress, M.Ed.

Dana Childress, M.Ed. — Fri, 30 Jan 2015 12:42:28 +0000

In reply to Nathan Travis.

Thanks Nathan! Love your point about how laughing can actually increase participation! We all are more likely to do something if it’s fun, right? Not just the children! Glad you enjoyed the post!

By: Nathan Travis

Nathan Travis — Thu, 29 Jan 2015 23:49:22 +0000

Dana,
Absolutely spot on. Amazing! Thanks for the sharing! Laughing is such a great way to “get started” w/a family, and I have found most of the time that when a parent or family gets that laughing “ball” rolling it really increases their involvement and participation! I especially liked the part in here about children that don’t necessarily “laugh” like we expect a child to laugh. That was rich rich rich information! Thanks so much for the work and effort! I love these posts and often use them as launching pads for conversations w/my families.

Nathan Travis