I never made a leprechaun trap as a kid – it just wasn’t a thing. Yet somehow, after stumbling upon this idea 2 years ago, it’s become a new family tradition. The first year, Songbird was 5 and I did the majority of the construction.

Not this year.

The kids raided our recycling bin for potential materials and started with a serious brainstorming session.

They remembered how last year the leprechaun evaded capture with a grappling hook and easily cut his way out of Bug’s cardboard trap. They re-evaluated their tactics, discussed construction pros and cons, and drew diagrams of new ideas. It was pure entertainment to sit and listen to them hash out their battle plans.

This year the roles reversed. Now I was the one helping Songbird figure out how to make her vision a reality.

Bug insisted on handling the rainbow painting himself, too.

After much deliberation, Songbird decided on a rather imaginative course of action. Having seen the leprechauns work their way out of all our traps thus far, she decided to catch them with kindness. She figures that after a long night of hunting for gold, they may be in need of rest. A tiny hotel would be just the place they can kick up their feet and stay awhile – maybe even until morning when she can politely ask for a pot of gold.

She spared no details, thinking they would love a swing!

The best part is that the entire front folds forward to reveal a carefully curated interior including wallpaper, furniture, carpet, a fireplace and some hand drawn wall art.

Bug decided a zipline would be fun, especially if it leads to a canister full of golden treasure.

We had to complete a proof-of-concept with the help of Mr. Legoman, of course.

Songbird came home from school today and said, “Mom, some kids in my class don’t believe in leprechauns. AND they don’t believe in Santa. They think the parents fill all the stockings!”
Oh yeah? What do you think?
“I think that’s crazy. I mean, I’ve seen the damage a leprechaun can do to a trap and I know flying reindeer are totally real.”

There are only a few short years that children delight in the imaginary. My parenting philosophy is let them be little. Build creative memories every chance you get because those sweet moments will soon enough be replaced with eye rolls and earbuds. I feel zero need to rush my children into logical adulthood – growing a robust imagination is so much more fun.

Traps (ahem, excuse me… hotel – she keeps reminding me “it’s not a trap“) are set! Songbird even stoked the flameless candle fire for her potential guest. Good-luck, sweethearts!