Community Corner

Moms Talk: Is April Fools' OK For Kids?

It can be a fine line between pulling a prank and being a bully. How should parents address this?

This Friday is every practical jokester’s national holiday — April Fools’ Day.

Most April Fools’ pranks are fun and harmless, meant to elicit a good laugh but not hurt feelings. However, explaining the difference between a harmless prank and hurtful bullying to a child can be difficult.

And it’s especially important, given the deep impact bullying can have. An estimated 20 percent of American youth in grades 9-12 reported being bullied on school property in a 2009 survey. For many of the victims, the bullying occurs frequently and viciously, as noted by this Connecticut teenager who . In the worst of instances, bullying can lead to unthinkable tragedies.

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So how does a parent address the difference between pulling a prank and being a bully? Should children be allowed to partake in April Fools’ Day gags at all? If so, is there a certain age limit parents should impose?

Patch asked members of our West Metro Moms Council to discuss the issue, and their thoughts are below. We also invite you to keep the conversation going by leaving a comment.

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Lisa Buck, Lake Minnetonka

I hate April Fools' Day! Every year my husband gets me. He hasn't (yet) lured the kids in, but he enlists the help of others, like friends and co-workers.  April Fools' of years past I was fooled into believing we won the lottery, our "special needs" dog was chosen as the cover dog for "Dogs of Minnesota" calendar (which doesn't exist), and that my husband was even an undercover CIA agent (I was skeptical about that one).  I don't encourage my kids to observe April Fools' day because I'd be the most likely victim.

Susan Urban, St. Louis Park

In my opinion, a mean joke is when something is meant to be intentionally hurtful or vindictive. Some people roll with jokes better than others— save the jokes for people who can roll with it better. They'll enjoy it more anyway. A fun gag is made fun by the response of the person the joke is played on. It's only fun if they can enjoy it afterward and laugh too.

Jodi Quam-Johnson, Lake Minnetonka

About a year ago, our kids went through a "Gotcha!" phase.   "Hey, mom, there's a purple tree - Gotcha!" or "Mom, I'm done with all my food - Gotcha!" Well, one day we were in the car, Dad was driving, and suddenly we hear, "Hey, mom, there's a deer!"  We jerk to attention and then - "Gotcha!" Yes, we pulled out the old "Did you hear about the story of the boy who cried 'wolf'" and made sure the kids understood that the boy got eaten for what he did. When it comes to jokes, we try to emphasize that if the person is not laughing or having fun, then you stop.

Greta Marston, Edina

I am going to try to show them how to play an appropriate April Fools’ gag by using their dad as an example. I think it will be a fun gag for the kids to switch beds the night before April Fools', so that when my husband gets them up on April 1, he’ll be surprised—they will be in the wrong rooms! I think it’s important for the kids, both in preschool, to learn that a joke is only funny when it doesn’t cause harm or hurt feelings. It’s my job as a parent to teach the kids the difference between a fun prank and a mean joke.

Katelynn Metz, Editor, Minnetonka Patch

I have one child who is very tenderhearted. He doesn't take joking very well and is very sensitive if he thinks he is being made fun of. For example, he has a sweatshirt collection that he takes much pride in. Another child in his class thought it was funny to pull his sweatshirt hood during recess. It may have been innocent teasing but my son was devastated. He refused to wear any of his sweatshirts for more than a week. My other child on the other hand, is the complete opposite. She loves to play jokes and loves it even more when someone plays a fun joke on her. I'm all for fun but I try to make sure my children (and myself) are cognizant that others may not necessarily like pranks and jokes. 


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