Q&A for How to Catch a Leprechaun

No. Why would you want to? Leprechauns are free spirits. They wilt and all the luck runs out of them if they're kept captive too long.

Yes! Because if you squeeze it too hard all of its luck will come out, which is what powers and keeps the leprechaun alive. What is disconcerting is that you'd like to hold it so tightly -- be kind and let the poor thing go.

Yes. It makes them think they are safe.

Probably, yes. You might not want to just ask for more but ask for an infinite amount of wishes. The leprechauns will be likely to trick you by twisting your mind. Be careful of this, because you might fall for it.

That sounds like a good legend. The problem is, being tricksters, you'll have a hard time managing that eye contact if the leprechaun doesn't wish it to be so.

No, not really. They are more mischievous than mean. They are known as tricksters, but usually their tricks are meant to teach people lessons. They do get nastier if they drink alcohol.

They grant you 3 wishes and give you a gold coin, but be careful what you wish for!

You could, but be careful; leprechauns are tricksters!

Only the ones that aren't house trained.

Through your incompetence. Leprechauns are not only tricky but smart and quick too.

Yes! That is, if there's a leprechaun in your house to be caught.

If you don't ask the leprechaun to grant any wishes, he might give you some gold instead.

Who knows for sure? They are legend. Set a trap, try to catch one, and see for yourself!

Did the human live to tell? We don't know. There are no records.

Leprechauns are never a joke. One reader lost their uncle in the fourth Great Leprechaun War. Disappointed children tend to have parents who lead them up the garden path. Your children need to see with their own eyes, not with yours.

It could be either outdoors or indoors.

Only if you are mean to them and only if you happen to come across a biting leprechaun, the chances of which are fairly much the same as coming across a biting human.

Sure, but leprechauns are tricky, so be careful.

No, not at all!

Role model the exact same behavior you wish to see happen and the leprechaun might follow suit.

Yes! Any wish is possible! However, leprechaun wishes can backfire on you, so be careful.

No, you don't have to be in Ireland. You can catch a leprechaun anywhere!

Quite possibly, as all that red sand makes their little green outfits an obvious target. Let us know if you do!

If it looks like a leprechaun, walks like a leprechaun and talks like a leprechaun, you're off to a good start. If it shows you a pot of gold or shares a load of luck with you, then you've found one.

Will it then what? It might. It all depends on what you left out of that sentence.

Quite possibly. Let us know if you do.

They don't need to be small, they can be large, but small is recommended as they are easier to make.

Because it is long and skinny. The leprechaun can easily fall in it and not be able to climb out. An oat container works well for this.

You can try to offer another fun activity in place of catching a leprechaun, like going to get ice cream. That can cheer your child up and distract them from their disappointment.

Some do. Try asking.