What do you do when you are trying to discipline your tot but he starts trying to make you laugh, and you can't help but laugh?

I try to hide it, but I think he knows I'm weak.

I'm the "strict" parent, but the minute I try to discipline by taking him aside and explaining why I am upset, he tries to make me laugh by doing something goofy.


I never read about this in the parenting books, and it's frustrating.

He is such a goofball. I mean it, and here's one example as to why:

He knows I can't stand him touching his belly button (not sure why it freaks me out, but it does), so he sometimes will be bored and stand in front of me and slowly lift his shirt up and stare at me with a smirk while he touches his belly button.

Maybe I just have a weird kid?

Re: What do you do when you are trying to discipline your tot but he starts trying to make you laugh, and you can't help but laugh?

I was a product of Catholic schools and spent three years teaching with the Srs. of St. Joseph, some of which never laughed a day in their lives... at least it seemed that way .

I just picture the old school, stone-faced, habit wearing 80 year old nun (in my mind she's in B/W), clench my teeth and fix them with a cold stare.

Lately, my kids make each other laugh by coming up with as many phrases with the word doody in it that they can think of...ugh. Sure, I'm cracking up inside but my face says nun/prison guard/drill seargant

Re: What do you do when you are trying to discipline your tot but he starts trying to make you laugh, and you can't help but laugh?

It happens to me and I try not to, but sometimes I just let loose and laugh and we both crack up together. I think its healthy sometimes :)