10 Things To Make Your Toddler Laugh Out Loud

No one thinks I'm funnier than my toddler. He's a great boost for my self-esteem, and there is no better sound in the world than a child laughing. (Okay, that's a lie, children laughing can also be the creepiest sound in the world. Remember Chucky?!?)

But seriously, when my son laughs those deep belly laughs my heart just melts. And then I make it my mission to make him laugh again. And again. And again. In fact, I once made him laugh so hard that he peed his pants (thankfully he still wears a diaper) but he actually looked down at his diaper and acknowledged the fact that something strange just happened...

So what is it that I do to make my son LOL, you ask? 

Here, I will share with you my highly sophisticated comedic repertoire:

1. SNEEZING

Fake sneezes have always been a hit around our house. Hold an object by your nose (a stuffed toy?) and then do a big and dramatic "ah-ah-ah-choooooo!" and then throw the object at your kid's head. Seriously. He will laugh and laugh and laugh. This has worked for us from age 6 months all the way to 24 months!

2. WHAT'S THAT ON MY HEAD?

For some reason, anytime I put anything on my head and pretend it's a hat (as long as it's not actually a hat) my son laughs. "Hey, look at this orange! Maybe it should be a hat?!?" Of course this works best when accompanied by a funny face.

3. Watch HIS Favourite TV Shows With HIM.

For the times when I'm not feeling particularly energetic or I need a distraction, I'll allow my son to watch his favourite characters from the Family Channel, Disney XD, or Disney Junior through the Shaw Go kids suite of apps to make him laugh! My son can get his fix of his favourite funny shows on my phone while I'm stuck in traffic (or trying to catch a 10-minute nap). It's a win-win situation!

4. FIND A WORD HE LIKES AND SAY IT IN A FUNNY VOICE.

For some reason, my son thinks the word "shampoo" is hilarious. Probably because it has the word "poo" in it. Nevertheless, we often find different ways to say the word out of context, for no reason "What would you like for breakfast? Shampooooo?" *cue laughter*

5. CHANGE THE WORDS TO SONGS He KNOWs.

"Row row row your boat" is way more funny when you sing it like this, "Row row row your...chicken!" or "Row row row your...banana! Gently down the stream!" 

6. MAKE SURE YOU LAUGH TOO.

When kids see you laughing, often they want to join in the fun. So let loose, and make sure you're taking the time to laugh too!

7. GET A DOG.

Yep, I've also relied on my dog to make my son laugh. We will give my dog his bone and then just chase him around the house. My son screams like a maniac and often collapses in giggle-fits just trying to catch the dog. Cardio for both my son and my dog, it's great! 

8. PRETEND TO EAT SOMETHING THAT ISN'T FOOD.

Note: only do this once they are at an age where children aren't going to try to mimic you and actually eat it...

9. THROW A BLANKET ON HIS HEAD.

For some reason, this is hilarious. If you can't see him, or they can't see you, he finds this hysterical. It's best if you add goofy commentary, "I can't see Cole anywhere. Where did he go?" Then pull the blanket off and act surprised or scared. Sometimes it's sad how easily he's entertained...yet, totally worth the giggle-fest.

10. PRETEND TO EAT HIM.

When all else fails, develop an appetite for fingers. And toes. And bellies. Lift him up, twirl him around, and eat your toddler. Sprinkle him with some seasonings, spread imaginary jam on his face. Find jelly beans between his toes. An imaginary toddler buffet. Hysterical.

I hope this helps you find ways to let loose and get lost in the joys of laughter with your child. Now tell me, what are some of the things you do to make your child laugh? I could always use more techniques to add to my collection...

IMAGE SOURCE: MELPOMENEM VIA GETTY IMAGES