You Tube Laughing Babies Make Us Smile

November 7, 2009 by Cathy Ribble  
Filed under: News

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By his own admission, Boston Globe columnist James Parker admits that he is a sucker for the many laughing baby videos which surface on You Tube. They are circulated around the world on the internet.  He claims he has a short attention span, and that normal run-of-the mill “forwarded” videos received in his email box just don’t capture his interest.

But he makes an exception for any micro-video of a small child laughing his head off.  Parker mentions You Tube favorite Baby Ethan and the newspaper episode.  Ethan is overjoyed with the sound of the newspaper ripping and laughs and laughs.  His laugh is contagious — Ethan’s dad, behind the camera, becomes part of the game.

Another of Parker’s favorites is baby William Nilsson, a Swedish baby laughing and playing with his dad while he sits in his high chair in the kitchen.  Since that video was posted to You Tube in 2006, it has been viewed more than 95 million times.  According to Parker, even the Queen of England has viewed that one!

I think I understand Parker’s “weakness.”  You don’t have to read far before you see many counselors, doctors, ministers and pastors who advise that laughter is good for the soul.  James Parker has reminded me of that today.  After writing for several weeks about the trial of Baby Grace, the starvation of Chauntasia Gardner and other “newsworthy” tragedies involving the kidnapping, heinous abuse and death of young children, I needed this reminder.

I am the grandmother of 14-month old twin boys.  I spent the day with them yesterday.  I laughed, and I played like a baby myself.  I got on my hands and knees and crawled all over the house.  I was exhausted when they left, but my spirit was renewed.

And then the night came.  My husband is recovering from knee surgery, and it was his third night of pain, tossing, turning and no sleep.  This morning I quickly became impatient and angry with the situation.  Then I sat down to write and read about babies, and I came across James Parker’s post entitled, “Laughing Babies.”  Of course, the first thing I did was go to You Tube and search for Baby Ethan and William Nilsson.  Parker is so right!  You simply cannot watch these videos without smiling and beginning to chuckle yourself.  Immediately, my mind was taken back to the day before when I experienced firsthand the laughing of my grandbabies.

I don’t think Parker’s habit is a weakness at all, but rather a strength.  He recognizes what makes him stronger, what builds him up.

So, if it’s one of those downer days for you — we all have them, you know — find some laughing babies!  Maybe your own.  Maybe your grandchildren.  Maybe You Tube.  Wherever, find them!  I promise it will brighten your day!

To read James Parker’s post in full, Laughing Babies.

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