DIY Life

Have you ever taught a four-year-old to tell knock-knock jokes? They get the idea, but not quite well enough to pull it off. (Knock knock. Who's there? Banana. Banana who? Orange you glad I didn't say banana? But you did say banan...oh, never mind.)

That's kind of how it is when you teach a young child about April Fool's Day. I tried to teach my then four-year-old last year, but eventually it dissolved into "Mama, there's an elephant in the driveway." By the 1,000th time, I was wishing April Fool's Day would be done already.

This year, I'm committed to expanding their humor base. Laughter is important in a household and pranks that are funny, but not hurtful, can tickle everyone's funny bone. These food pranks from Family Fun are a great place to start. Surprise kids at breakfast with some alien milk, put a surprise in their lunch box, or help them prank the whole family at dinner with a fauxberry pie.Of course, not all pranks are food related. My favorites include waiting for the kids to fall asleep, then doing a switch-er-roo so everyone is sleeping in a different bed, as well as the classic old prank -- setting the clocks an hour early. After everyone is up and ready, you can let them in on your prank and take them out to breakfast.

Finally, young children who don't yet get the idea of a prank might enjoy having a "backwards day." Eat dinner for breakfast and breakfast for dinner, even let them wear their clothing backwards all day.

How do you celebrate April Fool's Day with your kids?