Dads are tough, patient and wise — but their sense of humor is what really sets them apart. Whether they’re telling a classic dad joke or a new side-splitting one, dads are always able to get a good laugh out of their kids.
Whether you love or hate them, you can’t help but smile when hearing a good dad joke. They’re corny, cheesy and yet somehow still funny. But why is that? Perhaps it’s because they’re just so unintentionally hilarious.
Aside from being a source of amusement, these types of jokes serve an important pedagogic purpose. Research suggests that fathers, in their playful and teasing style of humour with children, are more likely to use jokes that will embarrass their offspring (Bokony & Patrick, 2009). Children are often more receptive to this type of humour because they experience vicarious embarrassment from the behaviour of their parents.
Dad jokes are an effective way for fathers to show their children that they care about them and that they’re willing to make them feel awkward if it’s in their best interest.
So next time you’re surrounded by some groans and eye-rolls, remind yourself that the best dad jokes are the ones that make your kids giggle! And if you’re looking for more laughs, be sure to check out our school jokes, history jokes, science jokes, music jokes and math jokes. Laughter is the best medicine!