Children as young as 15-months-old can tell the difference between joking and pretending, according to a new study.
Researchers from Stirling University in Scotland found that toddlers, between 15 and 24 months, learn how to differentiate between joking and pretending from their parents who use a range of language styles, sounds and non-verbal cues to help their children understand.
Examples of cues parents use when pretending include talking slowly and loudly and repeating their actions. When telling a joke parents would show their disbelief through language and use a more excited tone of voice.
The study claims that parents who spend time joking and pretending with their children are giving them a head start in life by helping them learn how to do it themselves.
Dr Elena Hoicka of the university's Baby and Toddler Lab, said, ‘Parents and carers and early years educators shouldn’t underestimate the importance of interacting with young children through jokes and pretending.
‘Spending time doing fun stuff with children helps them learn how to do it themselves and gives them a set of skills which are important in childhood and beyond.
‘While not all parents feel confident in their natural abilities, the research does show that making the effort to interact in this way with toddlers is important.
Knowing how to joke is great for making friends, dealing with stress, thinking creatively and learning to "think outside the box". Pretending helps children learn about the world, interact with others, be creative and solve problems.’
The study was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and will form part of its annual Festival of Social Science (29 October-5 November). A key aim of the event will be to boost parents’ confidence in joking and pretending with their toddlers through a range of hands-on activities.
Examples of cues parents use when pretending include talking slowly and loudly and repeating their actions. When telling a joke parents would show their disbelief through language and use a more excited tone of voice.
The study claims that parents who spend time joking and pretending with their children are giving them a head start in life by helping them learn how to do it themselves.
Dr Elena Hoicka of the university's Baby and Toddler Lab, said, ‘Parents and carers and early years educators shouldn’t underestimate the importance of interacting with young children through jokes and pretending.
‘Spending time doing fun stuff with children helps them learn how to do it themselves and gives them a set of skills which are important in childhood and beyond.
‘While not all parents feel confident in their natural abilities, the research does show that making the effort to interact in this way with toddlers is important.
Knowing how to joke is great for making friends, dealing with stress, thinking creatively and learning to "think outside the box". Pretending helps children learn about the world, interact with others, be creative and solve problems.’
The study was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council and will form part of its annual Festival of Social Science (29 October-5 November). A key aim of the event will be to boost parents’ confidence in joking and pretending with their toddlers through a range of hands-on activities.