Just in case you need one more excuse to put on your silly hat: Joking around and playing pretend can teach toddlers important life skills, new research reveals. The study shows that children as young as 16 months old naturally learn the difference between joking and pretending by picking up on their parents’ cues. Researchers from the University of Sheffield’s department of Psychology carried out studies to prove this. One study involved parents being asked to joke and pretend with their 16 to 20 month old children using actions. Jokes involved misusing objects like putting food on their heads and pretend play included activities like washing hands without soap or water.
Put on your silly hat, and teach your toddler important life skills
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