Humour and Play – The Path to Better Wellbeing for Children and Young People
Humour and Play – The Path to Better Wellbeing for Children and Young People
Humour and play are far more than just fun – they are essential ingredients for children’s and young people’s wellbeing. When tamariki laugh, play, and use their imagination, they strengthen their social skills, creativity, and mental health. In a world where many young people face pressure from school, social media, and expectations, humour and play can offer a vital balance. But how can parents, teachers, and communities in Aotearoa New Zealand create spaces where laughter and play are part of everyday life?
Play as Learning and Life Skills
Play is a child’s natural way of exploring and understanding the world. Through play, children experiment with roles, rules, and relationships. They learn to cooperate, negotiate, and manage conflicts – skills that reach far beyond childhood.
Research from New Zealand and around the world shows that children who have time for free, unstructured play develop stronger problem-solving abilities and greater empathy. Play allows them to test boundaries in a safe environment and builds their ability to handle uncertainty and change.
In schools, playful learning can boost motivation and create a more inclusive atmosphere. When lessons include games, movement, or humour, students are more engaged – and they remember what they learn. Many kura and early childhood centres in New Zealand already use play-based learning to support curiosity and confidence, showing that play is not a distraction from learning but a powerful way to achieve it.
Humour as Social Glue
A shared laugh can connect people in seconds. Humour builds a sense of belonging, reduces stress, and helps us cope with challenges. For children and young people, humour can be a way to make friends, express emotions, and process experiences.
When adults use humour kindly and respectfully, they show that it’s okay not to take life too seriously. This gives children courage to make mistakes, try again, and find joy in imperfection. Humour can also be a release valve during stressful times – a moment of relief in the middle of pressure and expectations.
Of course, humour needs care. Sarcasm or teasing can easily be misunderstood, especially by younger children. The best humour is the kind that brings people together, not the kind that singles someone out.
Making Space for Play in Everyday Life
Modern family life can be busy, with work, school, and screens filling the day. That’s why it takes intention to make room for play. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. Small moments of spontaneity can make a big difference.
- Encourage free play – without strict rules or goals. This is where creativity thrives.
- Join in as an adult – children love when adults play on their terms. It shows that play matters.
- Create humorous rituals – inside jokes, funny voices, or playful challenges can strengthen family bonds.
- Use humour in conflicts – a shared laugh can defuse tension and open the door to understanding.
When play and humour become part of daily life, relationships grow stronger – between children and adults, and among children themselves.
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Humour and Play in the Teenage Years
Even though teenagers often seek independence and seriousness, they still need humour and play – just in different forms. It might be through sport, gaming, creative projects, or hanging out with friends. Humour helps young people build identity and connection, and it can also protect against stress and performance pressure.
Young people who keep their sense of playfulness often find it easier to cope with challenges. They can see things in perspective and find joy in shared experiences, even when life feels tough.
An Investment in Wellbeing
Making space for humour and play is not about avoiding seriousness – it’s an investment in wellbeing. When children and young people experience joy, connection, and freedom to express themselves, their mental resilience grows. They learn that life is not only about achievement but also about curiosity, presence, and laughter.
As adults, we can lead by example. Laughter and play are not just for childhood – they are lifelong resources that help us all to thrive, no matter our age.
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