Treat Kids to Leprechaun Mischief

Legend says that leprechauns are disgruntled imps who work as cobblers for Irish fairies. Because they tend to stir up a little trouble wherever they go, leprechauns may sneak into your home and create a some mayhem ... or at least a sneaky parent can create the illusion of leprechaun mischief, such as small leprechaun footprints running all over the house.

- Purchase a green washable paint. Test the paint in small, inconspicuous spots where you plan to use it before using it on a grand scale, such as on bathroom tiles or kitchen floors and countertops.

- Plan where you want to place your leprechaun footprints. They could be running up walls, on bathroom tiles, across countertops, or even on tile flooring.

- Wait until the kids are in bed the night before St. Patrick's Day. Pour a small amount of the paint in a paper dish or other disposable receptacle.

- Make a fist with your hands and use the bottom part (the curved part of your palm into the bent pinkie finger) to make the shape of footprints. Use your fingertips to dot on five toes above the print. You can also use a mold you've made out of a sponge or raw potato if you find it easier.

- Add a small spill of paint somewhere to simulate that the leprechaun has gotten into trouble and tracked footprints around the house.

When the children wake up in the morning, they will see the result of this leprechaun mischief. Have them help out cleaning up the mess later in the day after the St. Patrick's Day festivities are through.