Being Silly Keeps You Young

Face it, if you are a grandparent, you are officially getting old. Even if your first grandchild was born when you were 40, your body is chugging along towards aching joints and bad digestion. But a study out of London suggests that grandchildren can actually help you feel younger, by encouraging you to take part in the activities you loved as a kid. Yes, being silly can keep you young.

Grandchildren are the perfect excuse to play Crazy Eights or War, card games with simple rules and satisfying moments of victory without any strategy required. They are the ideal partners for walking through the neighborhood pretending to hunt for bears or bad guys. They give you a reason to dress in silly clothes and drink pretend tea with teddy bear guests. They offer you the chance to chant nonsensical nursery rhymes and dance to songs about brushing your teeth.

Even as they get older and think they are too cool to act silly, there are ways to get them laughing with you. Try a game of “Would you rather” where you offer them two ridiculous options and they have to choose one. (“Would you rather only be able to walk or all fours or walk sideways like a crab?”) Let them know what your answers would be, too! Find some great questions  here.

Want some help plugging into your silly side? Here are some of our favorite books and songs:

Dr. Suess is the master of silly.

Silly Sally is a favorite by Audrey Wood--we also love Twenty-Four Robbers.

Runny Babbit is full of wonderful wordplay!

School-aged kids will love the wacky stories of Wayside School.

Backstroke Raptor is full of funny songs that will appeal to the whole family.

If you've never heard Trout Fishing in America, you are in for a treat!

Some of the songs on Blue Pants are more appropriate for older kids, so give it a listen before sharing.

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