A Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) Family That Laughs Together

While caring for a loved one with LGS is certainly stressful, sometimes nothing works better than a good laugh to ease your mind. It helps you remember to focus on the present and to celebrate every smile or contagious giggle. Even loved ones with the most severe disabilities can connect with others through laughter.

Bringing Humor Into Your Daily Routine

• Read silly stories or sing comical songs 
• Share jokes, play games, and watch funny movies together 
• Adopt your own offbeat family traditions, whether it’s hanging spoons off your noses or wearing crazy hats 
• Remember that things that are funny now may be even funnier in years to come when you and your family look back on silly times spent together 

The Many Benefits of Laughing Together as a Family

Healthy Minds and Bodies

A good laugh doesn’t just lighten your load mentally, it actually causes physical changes to occur in your body.

• Laughter increases your intake of oxygen-rich air, stimulates your heart rate, and encourages the release of “feel good” endorphins from your brain 
• Laughter can stimulate circulation and help muscles relax, both of which can help reduce some of the physical symptoms of stress

The Ability to Cope

Just because LGS is a serious condition doesn’t mean you always have to be serious. Laughing together as a family can help you be better able to cope with life’s challenges.

• Children with a sense of humor are more optimistic, have higher self-esteem, and can handle differences—both their own and others—better
• Even in the most difficult time, a laugh—or even a smile—can go a long way toward making you feel better

Long-Lasting Memories

When laughter is shared, it binds families together and increases happiness and intimacy

• Recalling a silly joke or funny antics brings back happy memories
• Laughter helps enrich family interactions and creates a solid and long-lasting relationship