Silliness facts for kids
Silliness is when a person acts in a funny or goofy way, often without being too serious. It means showing a lack of strict good sense or judgment, but in a lighthearted manner. In television shows, movies, and the circus, silly and funny actions are used to make audiences laugh. Clowns and jesters often act silly to help people feel happier.
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Why Silliness Matters
Silliness can be more than just fun; it can also be good for you! It helps people connect and feel better.
Silliness and Feelings
In a book called The Art of Roughhousing, authors Anthony DeBenedet and Larry Cohen talk about "wild play." This is when children and parents play together in a silly, active way. They say this kind of play can bring "joy, love, and a deeper connection" between them. For example, a parent might pretend to fall over in a funny way, making a child laugh.
Silliness to Help Others
Some people use silliness to help others feel better, especially when they are going through a tough time.
- Michael Christianson, who works with New York's Big Apple Circus, teaches people like jesters, clowns, and comedians how to use humor. They learn to help hospital patients feel better and forget their worries for a while.
- A doctor named Patch Adams is famous for using humor and silliness to help people. He travels to places where there is suffering or crisis to bring laughter and comfort to those in need.
Silly Events Around the World
Sometimes, groups organize events just for silliness! In the U.S. and Mexico, a group called Improv Everywhere created an "international celebration of silliness." They asked people to ride the New York and Mexico City subways without trousers on a specific day. This fun, surprising event made many people laugh and created a memorable, silly experience for everyone involved.
Images for kids
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Seemingly silly behavior: man putting 21 black hats on a fire hydrant.
