When Dad cracks another one of his corny jokes, the family often groans and may even describe the joke as “painful.” Ironically, the latest research seems to indicate the opposite to be true: Dad jokes may be good for your children’s health.

What the Research Shows

This surprising bit of “dad joke science” comes from a recent article from The British Psychological Society. The author cites multiple sources to show that, contrary to popular belief, dad’s eye-rolling jokes and light-hearted ribbing may play a key role in the social and physical development of children.

For example, fathers have a habit of being rough and tumble toward their children, both with their jokes and their play. This can help challenge and push a child both in their physical and cognitive development, making them better prepared for the challenges they will face during adulthood. It also helps them better regulate their behavior in the face of adversity.

For the early adolescent, these jokes may be excruciating, and they often include some lighthearted ribbing from dad as an accompaniment. To dad and child, this witty banter may seem disposable, but here again, it’s serving an important role for your child.

With these dull barbs, a father is testing their child’s ego and emotions without tilting into full-scale bullying. What this does, explains the author, is build the child’s resilience. In a subtle manner, it’s training them to withstand adversity and negative emotions without lashing out. This helps them regulate their emotions and control their impulses as they grow older.

Most Effective for Adolescents

Of course, dads are prone to tell (nacho) cheesy jokes and roughhouse all through their children’s time at home, but experts note that the pre-adolescent and adolescent years may be the time when these tactics are most effective. Adolescents are making the transition into adulthood and trying to master the emotions and intellect that comes with that transition. At the same time, however, all those raging hormones can make those emotions quite difficult to control. Dad jokes are the perfect tool to temper your child through these years, subjecting them to subtle adversity in a safe environment to help them regulate emotions and master their response in a positive manner.

Dealing with Adversity

Humor as health care can be valuable for much more than your kids, as well. It’s well-documented as a way to relieve stress, handle adversity and, yes, even enhance health and well-being. A little bit of humor, if used tactfully, can help lighten the mood when things are tense or a family is facing challenges, health-related or otherwise. The American Medical Association even has guidelines for utilizing humor in clinical settings.

Tell That Dad Joke

So, the next time you want to tell your kids the best time to go to the dentist (2:30, of course, or “tooth-hurty”), go ahead and do it. You're not only giving yourself a little boost by bringing them humor, but you also may be helping with their physical and emotional growth and development, as well.