First there's a sly little chuckle; then it builds. Before you know it, your child is laughing uncontrollably. The diagnosis: a case of the giggles.
"Your preschooler's sense of humor is developing rapidly, but she lacks the emotional control to rein it in," says Carroll Izard, Ph.D., a psychologist at the University of Delaware. And because kids this age like to imitate their peers, these laughing sprees often erupt in groups. But while it can be great fun to watch your little one shriek with delight, you may need to intervene when an unexpected attack hits in the middle of dinner or at a movie. Here, some effective ways to cure the giggles:
Talk it out. Ask her about something that happened earlier in the day, or what she'd like to do after dinner. Or have her tell you what's so funny, which will show her you appreciate her sense of humor. (You'll also find she can't talk and laugh at the same time.)
Divide and conquer. Put some distance between your child and whatever's making her giggle, including friends. But try to keep the exit lighthearted — you might ask her to show you something interesting in the next room, for instance.
Distract her. For those times when the above suggestions just won't work, divert her attention by first gently cupping her face in your hand and directing it toward yours. Give her a solemn — not annoyed — look that tells her she needs to regain control, then offer her something to play with.