People Are Sharing 50 Wholesome, Adorable, And Hilarious Things Their Moms Did

"None of the [before mentioned points are] particularly funny in the heat of the moment," Newman said. "As you attempt to control your displeasure and decide what to do, consider a reaction that's different from your usual approach. For instance, take the line, 'nothing good can come of that,' as a family mantra, an inside joke, and call it up when you see trouble brewing next time."

"Chances are good that your kids will laugh and start using it themselves (or with their siblings). They may even think twice about having a food fight or using your things without asking, and the line will be one more touching point between you. Alternatively, you can jump up and down or lie on the floor (not speaking) to 'say' without words, 'Stop what you’re doing right now!' And the children will think their parent acting ridiculously is quite entertaining."

If you want to give it a go, Newman suggests these silly approaches:

• Act silly. Walk backward or abruptly stop speaking as a signal that you don't approve of whatever might be going on at the moment. Your children will laugh at you once they understand your action means you are not happy with the current behavior.
• Talk to your child in pig Latin. Or ask her to repeat back to you something you said in the language she’s studying in school or in pig Latin.
• Swoop in. Pretend you’re an angel or part of a cleanup crew (if a mess has been created) to diffuse the situation and get help with cleanup.

• Get emotional, but not really. Make believe you are crying or sad, or do a dance and give it a name: “The Broken Vase Dance” or the “Not Going to Bed Dance.”
• Make up a jingle. Use it when your child might be acting unsuitably or is about to break one of your rules, and repeat it often. For example, bust out a tune when you see your daughter is about to go over her allotted nightly screen time. Or, sing when your son is about to touch an object he shouldn’t.
• Laugh at yourself. Do this when you make a mistake or do something boneheaded.

Everyone's human, and chances are parents will lose it on occasion with their children. But that doesn't mean we can use it as an excuse every time we lose our temper.

As these moms show, a joke is possible in many everyday situations. Try to follow their lead and slip it in if there's a chance!