I love having kids. They are so much fun, and really fun to play tricks on. April Fool’s Day has got to be the most fun day of the year when you have kids. There isn’t much that will put a smile on your face faster, or make laugh longer, than seeing the surprise on your child’s face when they realize they’ve been tricked, and by their parents no less. So, to help all of us parents make this April Fool’s Day great, I’ve compiled a list of practical jokes to play on your kids.

Fill your child’s cereal bowl half way up with water and stick it in the freezer. Let the bowl sit overnight and the next morning pour your child’s favorite cereal over the top of the ice then pour milk in the bowl and give it to your child. He or she will be very surprised when they try to dig in for their first bite and run into a brick of ice instead.

Safety pin your child’s underwear together in a nice long string. Then have your child take a bath or shower and try to get dressed. He or she will get a bit more than they bargained for when they try to get dressed.

Set your child’s alarm clock so it goes off an hour early or just wake your kids up an hour early, letting them believe that it’s actually time to get up. He or she might be a little mad about the early wake-up call at first, but you can always treat them to their favorite breakfast or even a breakfast out.

Place a few drops of food coloring in a dark colored glass or bowl. Pour milk into the glass or the bowl with cereal. Your child won’t know what to think when his or her milk turns a color of the rainbow.

This is a messy one, but a fun one. You can toilet paper your child’s room while he or she is asleep. Be sure to have a video camera ready so you can record his or her reaction. Your child won’t expect a joke from mom or dad that makes his or her room messy when he or she is always being told to keep his or her room clean.

Joy Larson is a mother of four boys, graduate of The University of Montana, animal lover and writer.

More From 94.9 KYSS FM