April Fools' Day pranks are a tradition in some families. And as the kids get older, there can be some serious competition as to who can pull off the best stunt. Parents with younger kids typically try to come up with some April Fools' Day pranks for kids that aren't mean, so that their little ones can get into the spirit of the holiday without getting upset or feeling scared.
Before deciding whether or not to pull a prank on your kids this year, you must first take into consideration their temperament and understand their limits. Children who suffer from anxiety and depression, or those who have anger or impulse control problems could have escalated symptoms after a prank, child psychologist Dr. David Palmiter warned in an interview with The Today Show. For example, popping out of a closet while wearing a scary mask may not be the best prank to pull on a child who has struggled with night terrors, or is still afraid of the dark.
Additionally, you should consider not capturing the prank on video or posting it without your child's consent. Your kid may be less of a good sport about being pranked if they are worried that their friends might come across the video online.
Here are some kid-friendly pranks you can pull this April Fool's Day.
1Balloon In The Toilet
Popsugar suggested writing "April Fools!" on a helium balloon and sticking it in the toilet with the lid closed. When your child gets up to use the bathroom and opens the lid, the balloon will provide an April Fools' Day surprise.
2Frozen Cereal
This prank from BuzzFeed involves pouring milk into a bowl of cereal and setting in the freezer overnight. Place the frozen cereal bowl on the breakfast table in the morning and watch as your unsuspecting kid clanks a spoon against the frozen milk. Make sure to have some non-frozen cereal ready to go.
3Jell-O Juice
Parenting suggested you pour some Jell-O mix into a cup and add a straw. Leave in the fridge overnight to set and serve it to your child as a drink.
4Loose Change
Better Homes & Gardens suggested super gluing a quarter to your front sidewalk, and watching as your kids try their best to pick it up.
5Suds-Free Soap
Another fun prank by Popsugar is coating a bar of soap with clear nail polish to keep it from getting sudsy. Place it on the bathroom counter, ask your kids to wash their hands before their meal, and watch the hilarity ensue.
6Pillow Prank
The Today Show suggested filling your child's pillowcases with several partially inflated balloons. When they go to lay their head down at night, they'll notice something funny going on.
7Growth Spurt
This fun prank by Love And Laundry involves stuffing the toe of your child's shoes with tissue paper. They will think they grew overnight.
8Honey, I Shrunk The Kids
Mommy Poppins has a great prank that involves changing all of the underwear in your child's underwear drawer with adult-sized underwear. They'll be so confused when they try to get dressed in the morning.
9Closet Balloons
Another fun balloon prank comes from Today's Parent. The site suggested you fill your child's closet with a bunch of balloons so that when they go to get dressed they get a fun surprise.
10Bed Switch
If you have heavy sleepers, Love And Laundry suggested switching each kid into the other's bed overnight, and watching their confusion in the morning.
11Frozen Toothbrush
To pull this great prank from The Today Show, pour some water into a cup, then put your child's toothbrush inside and place it in the freezer overnight. Place it back in the bathroom the next morning and watch as your child tries to pull their toothbrush out of the cup.
