Getting down on all fours and imitating a rhinoceros stops…
“Getting down on all fours and imitating a rhinoceros stops babies from crying. (Put an empty cigarette pack on your nose for a horn and make loud "snort" noises.) I don't know why parents don't do this more often. Usually it makes the kid laugh. Sometimes it sends him into shock. Either way it quiets him down. If you're a parent, acting like a rhino has another advantage. Keep it up until the kid is a teenager and he definitely won't have his friends hanging around your house all the time.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Using playful, exaggerated animal imitation to calm infants, suggesting humor can be a powerful soothing tool.
In simple terms: Acting like a rhino can calm a crying baby.
Key Takeaway
Try lighthearted distraction to soothe children.
Themes
parenting
humor
child development
communication
Mood
playful
practical
Type
parenting
advice
When to use this quote
- infant care
- stress relief
- family bonding
Key Concepts
play therapy
emotional regulation
bonding
Questions to Reflect On
- When is humor appropriate in caregiving?
- How to balance play with safety?
A Different Perspective
May not work for all children; could be misinterpreted.