My parents didn’t use that trick on me, but one of my older brothers did. Worked every time. He also used it on his daughters later. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work with my daughters when I tried it.
This was one of my father’s “tricks of the trade.” He had many ways to make tears disappear. He had stories and sayings and jokes and songs. He made faces, he danced and clowned — we had our own private vaudeville show complete with costumes, music, mime, and verse. He could be silly. He could delve into fantasy as easily as we could, and he saw things through our eyes, something few grown-ups have the imagination to do. Dad was like another kid who sometimes sided with us — against Mom. I remember her telling us and Dad to, “Please…GROW UP!!!”
And then you get to be a grandfather, one of my favorites is to take the fussy toddler and turn them upside down and then ask why they are upside down. The thought process on their faces is priceless.
I have vague recollections of my parents trying this on me. It didn’t work of course. I bawled because I was in pain, and did not stop until the pain subsided. It baffled me why anyone would suggest I laugh when I was in pain, but I ignored it the way I had to ignore so many of the other illogical (to me) things my parents suggested.
@ Nabuquduriuzhur – how true. I broke my arm and knew it immediately. The next day when I tried to walk a bit fast I learned I had broken my tailbone, too. It healed in a few months (I was 12) but it was as troublesome as a broken rib
After checking to see there wasn’t any real damage done my dad would say “it’ll feel better when it quits hurting!” Giggling would ensue and all would be forgotten. This worked on my and my 3 sisters. In fact we still say it to each other!
Templo S.U.D. over 9 years ago
Laughter sure is a good medicine.
Wren Fahel over 9 years ago
My parents didn’t use that trick on me, but one of my older brothers did. Worked every time. He also used it on his daughters later. Unfortunately, it doesn’t work with my daughters when I tried it.
Can't Sleep over 9 years ago
Really nice scenes with John and Lizzie. Your child’s laughter is one of the greatest joys of parenthood.
Mumblix Premium Member over 9 years ago
Lynn’s Notes:
This was one of my father’s “tricks of the trade.” He had many ways to make tears disappear. He had stories and sayings and jokes and songs. He made faces, he danced and clowned — we had our own private vaudeville show complete with costumes, music, mime, and verse. He could be silly. He could delve into fantasy as easily as we could, and he saw things through our eyes, something few grown-ups have the imagination to do. Dad was like another kid who sometimes sided with us — against Mom. I remember her telling us and Dad to, “Please…GROW UP!!!”
leesmail1954 over 9 years ago
And then you get to be a grandfather, one of my favorites is to take the fussy toddler and turn them upside down and then ask why they are upside down. The thought process on their faces is priceless.
ewalnut over 9 years ago
I have vague recollections of my parents trying this on me. It didn’t work of course. I bawled because I was in pain, and did not stop until the pain subsided. It baffled me why anyone would suggest I laugh when I was in pain, but I ignored it the way I had to ignore so many of the other illogical (to me) things my parents suggested.
flagmichael over 9 years ago
@ Nabuquduriuzhur – how true. I broke my arm and knew it immediately. The next day when I tried to walk a bit fast I learned I had broken my tailbone, too. It healed in a few months (I was 12) but it was as troublesome as a broken rib
Fido (aka Felix Rex) Premium Member over 9 years ago
Yep — that’s how parents do things. Too bad Elly isn’t around to see.
Bazinga! I just want to give the Elly-haters a little pseudo-ammunition. SMILE! It may make your day a little bit better.
amethyst52 Premium Member over 9 years ago
After checking to see there wasn’t any real damage done my dad would say “it’ll feel better when it quits hurting!” Giggling would ensue and all would be forgotten. This worked on my and my 3 sisters. In fact we still say it to each other!