“I think the next best thing to solving a problem
is finding some humor in it.”
(Frank A. Clark)

In parenting, a good sense of humor is a must. There are going to be times when all you really can do is laugh. A scene in the movie Parenthood comes to mind.

Steve Martin’s character is attending his preschool aged daughter’s play, Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. At one point on stage, his daughter’s character, Dopey, starts to get mocked by another dwarf. Martin’s youngest son takes it upon himself to charge the stage and protect his big sister, knocking down homemade sets in the process. As you can imagine, chaos ensues. Most of the parents are up in arms at this display. One mother shouts with outrage, “He’s ruining the play! He’s ruining the play!” (Please.)

We then see Martin absorbing all that tension for a few moments, engaging in the all-too-familiar battle between the external pressure to perform and the internal desire to simply enjoy the ride. Thankfully, in a move that shows his growth as a man, he chooses the latter. In classic Steve Martin fashion, we see a growing grin as he decides to see the scene for the hilarity that it provides.

When we learn to find the humor inherent in our daily parenting, real life starts to creep in. And real joy.