King's Daughter's Kitchen

I feel true peace every time I hear the laughter of a little child. Children’s laughter comes from a free spirit, an open heart, and a pure joy. It does not carry the sound of shame or of burdens of the adult world. Instead, children play, they fall and roll, and they laugh as they get back up to face the world with expectation of more play. They laugh with real, deep-down joy. They are not self-conscious. They are kids. They are free.

Never quench the laughter of a child. Don’t tell him or her “You ought to be ashamed of yourself.” The powerful self of a child comes from God. It is the part that has free will and choice.

Every child is a gift and should be cherished and protected. Instead of shaming, teach choice. Ask, “Did you choose a good action?” Or, “Did your choice hurt someone?” This naturally teaches responsibility without shame. It guards the self from harm.

Take lessons from children about laughter. Laugh freely and often without thinking about what everyone else thinks. Find what gives you joy and helps to open your heart to gladness. You will hear the peaceful music, too. The sound of children laughing is the most beautiful music in the world.