Next Monday is April Fool’s Day. If you live where this is celebrated, play a harmless practical joke on your child and laugh together afterwards.

(Examples: “Honey, the car is broken; you’re going to have to walk to school this morning.” or”Your tennis shoes are no where to be found, you’ll have to wear your dress shoes to school today.”

After the child becomes very alarmed say, “April Fool’s Day! You don’t really have to ….”  Be prepared. Your child will likely try to pay you back. As long as the jokes are harmless and in good fun, they make family connections that are priceless – as the commercial says.I

f you aren’t familiar with April Fool’s Day, read up on it and share what you learn with your child. He may want to try it – just for the fun of it.