Two out of three parents (66 per cent) say laughter is a stress-reliever and 28 per cent say keeping the kids entertained is a source of anxiety.
Four in five parents say laughing makes them feel 'happier in general' while 41 per cent said chuckling was good for their love life.
And fun family activities came in just behind laughter as a stress-reliever at 55 per cent.
More than two out of three parents with kids under 16 (69 per cent) say their children make them laugh the most, with just under three-quarters (71 per cent) saying their share a giggle with their kids at least once a day.
intu surveyed 2,000 participants for their research.
Psychologist Emma Kenny, who analysed the research findings, said: "The wonderful thing about young children is their ability to experience the here and now, which enables them to react to life moment by moment.
"Adults are often struggling with their work life balance, or focussing on things they need to do next, which impacts on their time and the opportunity to have fun and laugh at life.
"It's so essential for adults to laugh with children and each other as it unites, inspires and reminds us of how wonderful it is to be human.
"With millions of us taking time off this Easter to spend more time with our children, it is a brilliant time to focus on all the joy and laughter being a parent can bring us.
"Plan ahead by finding those opportunities to laugh and spend quality time together as a family, so that they can become part of your daily routine."
As laughter truly is the 'best medicine', the shopping centre owner is launching SpongeBob-themed 'laughter parties' for families over Easter.
Intu will be hosting SpongeBob SquarePants' Laughter Party at intu shopping centres over Easter with a range of free family friendly activities that are not to be missed.
In addition to the activities on offer, kids that visit a SpongeBob SquarePants' Laughter Party may receive a free limited-edition SpongeBob Magazine full of games, puzzles and jokes. Families can also enter an online competition to win an exclusive family trip to Nickelodeon Land at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
Trevor Pereira, from intu, said: "This research highlights the difference that intu brings to its shopping centres, with compelling, fun experiences and moments of surprise, delight and laughter. Our aim is to put a smile on the face of our customers as we want them to be happier when they leave our centres than when they walked through the door.
"So with millions of families expected at our centres this Easter, we've created an exciting programme of activities in partnership with Nickelodeon for parents and children to laugh along together with SpongeBob SquarePants."
Full information about Nickelodeon and intu's SpongeBob SquarePants' Laughter Party and exclusive downloadable activities can be found at intu.co.uk/spongebob.
Original source: Western Daily Press.
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