Using humor in parenting was something my parents always did with me and with my three siblings. They never made fun of us, but they would help us realize, how ridiculous we were being sometimes if there was a problem. Looking back on it, I guess it was sarcasm that they used, but we got it and it was always said with a twinkle in their eye. For example, one day my sister said, "No one in this family likes me!" My father said, "Well, we all voted last night during a secret meeting and decided that no one does like you. We've been trying to figure out how to tell you, so I'm glad you've figured it out." My sister was laughing in no time. I think to make this technique effective, your child's self-esteem has to be strong, and you have to be sure he/she is mature enough to recognize the humor. If that is in place, it can do wonders to diffuse situations. I use it with my own sons selectively, never about anything truly serious, only small conflicts or overly dramatic rants. They get it and it puts the fire out.