It is a wonderfully fantastic game. As we talk, I watch closely for his mouth to begin twitching. This flicker of encouragement is all I need; I know I'm on the right track. Not long till I get a "Mo-om" as he desperately tries to turn that smile upside down. But eventually he loses control and a giggle breaks forth. Sometimes (these are the best) the giggle is silent, heard only in his throat as he bends over, racked in giggliness.
As I mentioned, it isn't a difficult thing to do. Sometimes all it takes is a reference to bodily functions. Other times a well placed raised eyebrow does the trick, especially when his younger siblings innocently say something that could be construed wrong. There are days a silly song is what is needed, nothing like mixed up lyrics to make a boy giggle. Other days I pull out the big guns, trying to work words like "duty" or even "Uranus" into our conversation. Is there a tween alive that can resist giggling when asked, "What did you learn about Uranus today?"
My husband has picked up on the fun and started participating. He'll make a comment and we both turn to watch its effect on our 11 year old son. As he giggles, we lock eyes and smile. I suppose common goals are a healthy thing in relationships.
I really can't help myself, I thoroughly and completely enjoy watching my tween try not to laugh. I love to hear that giggle erupt unwillingly. I often ponder why such a little thing brings me so much pleasure. Why afterwards I feel a little lighter, a little happier. Maybe I like to feel connected to my son as he begins his plunge into teenagehood. Maybe I need an excuse to be silly every day. Maybe there is no real rhyme or reason. I don't think I really need to know the reason why as long as I can enjoy it why it lasts. I dread the day that giggle is replaced with eye rolls, sighs, or vacant stare. Until then, I'll hold to my daily goal.
Its all fun and games until you start trying to do that when he is mad. Then it will just make him madder (Mom used to do that to me. Drove me nuts)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great goal! I guess you're past the stage where a belly raspberry does the trick - I'll have to remember to talk about the planets a lot when my kids get older!
ReplyDeleteI was going to say the same thing as Gordon, that Mom used to do the same thing to me, only when I was mad.
ReplyDeleteDoes Ryan have highlights? He is growing up SUPER fast. I would love to hear him giggle! I think Uranus is pretty darn funny myself.
ReplyDelete:)
ReplyDeleteI totally thought I had the cutest kids in the world, but yours definitely give me a run for my money.
ReplyDeleteAwesome!
What a handsome boy you have. I think what I will miss the very most of these young kids are those laughs, the giggling fits, those voices. Oh those voices. I must hear his giggle.
ReplyDeleteI also thought Ryan looked like he had highlights, but it is really just the lighting in the picture. I remember Mom trying to make us laugh when we were mad. She could always do it. This is more pushing his silly mood over the limit to watch him giggle.
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