Creating a joke is like creating a baby. It can be fun, exhausting and most people I know conceive them by accident.

So if our jokes are like our children, then there are two common types of comedy-parents I see in the stand-up industry: stage-parents and over-protective-parents.

Stage-parent comedians are the ones who are always pushing their jokes out there, forcing them to perform even when they might not be quite up to scratch. It’s not possible to have a stage-parent comedian over for a nice cup of coffee, or a dinner party without them trotting their material out for the amusement and approval of others. This is because they know that if they want their jokes to be successful, then they need to practice, practice, practice. They’re in it to win it and they will go from competition to competition searching for the recognition they believe their joke-babies deserve.

On the other end of the spectrum are over-protective-parent comedians. These are the comics who are so worried about their jokes being criticised that they barely let anyone hear them. They carefully select their audiences, in an effort to reduce the possibility that someone might not get or like their set. They have a false sense of modesty, which masks the fact that they’re so incredibly proud of their hilariously witty joke-babies that they simply wouldn’t be able to deal with anyone thinking otherwise.

The problem with both of these types of comedy-parents is that ultimately the children suffer. Comedy is an art and a beautiful form of expression. If you start using it as a vehicle for success, then it loses all its soul. That said, if you become too emotionally attached to your jokes, then they’ll never evolve into what they need to be.

I’m sadly seeing a lot of very talented comics falling prey to the latter, limiting themselves to JUST writing shows for comedy festivals, or giving up comedy altogether. Having been tempted myself; I can see the attraction of performing exclusively at festivals, because you have more of a guarantee that your audiences will want your particular style of comedy. However, if you’re not regularly performing and honing your skills, then will you be showcasing your talents to the best of your ability?

My aim is to be a comedy-parent similar to my actual parents. They were careful, but they weren’t controlling. I think it’s important that we allow our jokes some freedom. Sometimes this will mean putting put them in a position where they’re open to criticism and rejection, but this will lead to much needed growth and improvement. At the same time, we also need to treat our jokes with respect. Like toddlers, they shouldn’t be paraded around for the sake of glory and pride. By all means, continue to be “the funny one” in your social group, but if it appears that everyone you meet is merely a testing ground, then you will quickly gain a bad reputation amongst your friends, family and peers.

In conclusion, be the best comedy-parent you can be. Have fun raising your “children” and allow them to develop. Savour the moment when you release them into the world - no matter what the reception is like.

And remember: if you wouldn’t steal an actual baby, then don’t go around stealing other people’s joke-babies.