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So when do kids develop a sense of humour?
It’s probably a lot earlier than you think. 50% of children exhibit humour by 2-months old!
Wow that’s really early — but they can’t speak?!
Yes, and this is what the researchers around a study with lead author Elena Hoicka from the University of Bristol were trying to find out. When and what types of humour develop over time in children.
Children under one appreciate things like peekaboo, tickling, funny faces, and misusing objects (such as putting a cup on your head).
Ahh, the things many parents do intuitively and grandparents take great pleasure in getting a chuckle out of their fresh grandchildren…
Precisely. But this hadn’t been extensively studied and/or categorised.
The researchers found 21 categories of humour!
Wow, and how do these develop?
They list a number of developments. I listed the under-one category above.
Between one and two humour includes:
- Teasing
- Showing hidden body parts (taking off clothes)
- Scaring others
- Taboo topics (toilet humour)
