This printable PDF poster explains why children laugh when they feel nervous, anxious, worried or embarrassed. It helps adults understand nervous laughter as a stress response, not bad behaviour.
The resource shows that children may laugh to cope with uncomfortable feelings, not because something is funny. It explains common signs such as avoiding eye contact, fidgeting, going quiet or struggling to express emotions. It also highlights what this behaviour does not mean, helping reduce misunderstandings around rudeness or not listening.
Clear, practical guidance is included on how to respond calmly, support emotional regulation, and reassure the child. Suitable for parents, carers, teachers, school staff, social workers and therapists supporting children and young people with anxiety, behaviour, social skills and emotional wellbeing.
