Katie Taylor, CCLS Child Life On Call for SmileMakers Inc

Luck. It's such a hard thing to explain, which is probably why many people don't believe in luck. But, this time of year, we are bombarded with shamrocks, pots of gold, leprechauns, rainbows, and anything that symbolizes the St. Patrick's Day traditions involving "the luck of the Irish."

However, as Child Life Specialists we should be aware that luck may be a sensitive topic for those that are hospitalized or experiencing a medical crisis. "How could one person be so unlucky" or "This is just my luck" might be common phrases we hear from patients and families; and I'll admit, sometimes I feel the same way. And although I am not able to change the circumstance, I AM able to teach skills that help kids and families recognize that some situations offer negatives and positives.

A positive I like to share with my patients is the celebration of St Patrick's Day.  You don't need to be Irish or even religious to learn about this holiday and some of the fun traditions that are associated. One fun St. Patrick's Day tradition I like to share with my patients is to "pinch someone that isn't wearing green."

Although we don't really "pinch" others, we can have fun searching for staff and visitors around the hospital that are and are not wearing green. SmileMakers.com has many fun items that I can share throughout the hospital in order to spread the green. This is also a great way to allow the patients to spread positivity and smiles by passing out green for others to wear!

SmileMakers has another fun activity that can be done at the bedside. Making your own leprechaun can be a fun way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. This activity can be extended and as Child Life Specialists, we can help facilitate the discussion on what we feel lucky about.

Watch a sticker turn into these pieces of artwork below!

All you need is SmileMakers Make-Your-Own™ Leprechaun Stickers, white or colored paper, and markers and you have artwork just waiting to happen. Let patients "build" their leprechaun and write why they are lucky or tell you so you can write it. It could be something as simple as having a brother or a dog or as important as having good doctors. No matter what the patient comes up with, thinking about what makes them lucky is a great way to focus on the positive and improve spirits.

How will you help your patients find positivity during St. Patrick's Day this year?