There’s nothing like seeing your child smile. It’s even better when their grin turns into contagious laughter – and before you can blink, your whole family’s started giggling. These are moments you and your loved ones will always remember.

How do you get your kids to smile more often? Whether they’re in a bad mood or you just want to make them happy, you can use a few tricks to keep your children laughing. Take a look.

1. Cook Their Favorite Meal

It’s not every day we get to indulge in our favorite foods. If you want to make your kids smile, you can’t go wrong with preparing whatever meal they like best. Plan a special day where you cook everything they love — or simply surprise them with their favorites when they get home from school.

2. Try a New Game Together

Parents sometimes don’t have time to play with their children. That’s especially true when life gets hectic with school, work and every little responsibility in between. If you can, you should allocate some time to try a new activity with them, whether that’s a board game, video game or something you can do outdoors.

3. Have an Impromptu Dance Party

What’s better than an impromptu dance party to make your kids giggle? It’s a terrific trick to help blow off some steam after a particularly hectic day, too. Try picking some upbeat songs to play on your phone or a speaker — and just let loose. If you’re in the car, you could try having a dance party in your seats every time you stop at a red light.

4. Serve a Fun Dessert

No one can resist a sweet treat, especially when they don’t get to have them often. Pick up some ice cream, brownies or whatever else your kids like so you can serve them dessert after dinner. That’s sure to bring a grin to their faces, albeit a messy one.

5. Add a Note in Their Lunchbox

Though your children may feel like a note from their parents isn’t cool, you can rest assured they’ll still be happy they received one. Include a message saying you love them to brighten up their day. If they’re having a bad day, you can help boost their mood by getting them to smile. Add a daily fun fact so they learn something new, too.

6. Sleep in a Tent in the Backyard

This tip will require some effort, but you’ll create endless happy memories with your family as a result. Choose a warm evening where you can camp in your backyard. Pitch a tent, which you can fill with sleeping bags, string lights and other fun decorations. It’s also fun to screen a movie beforehand on a projector.

7. Tell Them What You Love About Them

How often do you compliment your kids? Humans love positive affirmations, and your words can actually benefit your kids in various health-related ways as they grow older. Let them know exactly what you love about them. It’s additionally rewarding to compliment them on a job well done whenever they make good grades or break a record.

8. Organise a Movie Night

When was the last time you and your family gathered around the TV for a movie marathon? If you want to have a night filled with laughter, you can always pop in your favorite flicks. Try kid-friendly comedies like “Sing,” “Zootopia” and “Cars.” Don’t forget the movie theater snacks!

9. Recruit Them to Wash the Car

Though washing the car might seem like work to you, your kids will think otherwise! This activity can be a great way to get outside on a warm day. Encourage your children to wear their swimsuits so they can spray each other with the hose without any worries.

10. Watch Funny Videos Online

If you need a quick laugh, you can’t go wrong with watching a few funny videos online. There are tons of hilarious videos on YouTube that are perfect for kids. Put a few on your phone or the TV to draw some laughter out of your children.

11. Play a Harmless Prank

There’s nothing more smile-inducing than a harmless prank. If you want to enlist your kids to prank your spouse, try something innocent like scaring them when they get home from work. It’s also amusing to use a few prank ideas on your own kids to get them laughing.

12. Give Them a Bubble Bath

What’s more fun as a child than playing in a swarm of bubbles? Grab some bubble bath liquid to make bathtime even more enjoyable. If your kids are younger, you can also buy them some new bath toys. Then, they may start looking forward to getting in the bath.

Use These Ideas to Get Your Kids Laughing

As a parent, you know there’s nothing like seeing your kids smile. If you want to brighten their day or simply make them grin, you can use some tricks to get them laughing. Try them today!

What are your favourite ways to make your child smile? Tell us in the comments below.