Humor can have a very calming effect when used appropriately in
addressing children behaviors. Parents and childcare providers
sometimes find it hard to see the humor in a defiant stance by their
children. But at the same time, humor can be used to break focus, and
direct the child along more appropriate lines. Positive parenting
involves being in control of your own emotions, and changing up your
response to your kids, especially when it’s totally unexpected, will
throw them off balance, and allow you to reassert control.
http://www.childrenbehaviors.com/