Joy Bots are one of my favorite therapeutic activities to complete with patients and families. The concept for these small, but mighty bots was designed by Gary Hirsch in Portland, OR as a way to help others through art. Click to read an article about a Brave Bot installation at Randall Children's Hospital in Portland. I was first introduced to these tiny little bots while at a camp for children with life threatening illnesses. A whole box of them was donated to the camp by elementary children so that the campers could have inspirational bots to keep in their pockets once they left camp. What I love so much about these is that there is absolutely no "right" way to make a bot. This means that there is NO WAY TO FAIL, how many things in life are like that....especially for a child or family facing a struggle?
The idea is simple and easy to execute. When I make these I use regular dominos (the back side with no dots), sharpies, and Modge Podge as a finishing coat. I like to start off with the question of "who or what do you need to be reminded of when feeling _____?" Sometimes the bot becomes one to remind kids to smile or breath, other times the bot takes on characteristics of a person that they miss but can't be with them all the time. After we spend time making different bots for ourselves, I usually also ask the child if there is anyone else they know that might need a bot to help them. I love that these bots can get kids connected with their empathetic sides and seeing things from someone else's point of view.
This therapeutic activity has so many applications! I have used them in hospitals with chronically ill children. I have used them at grief groups to help kids struggling with loss. I have used them with teen groups for getting through the drama of what being a teenager is all about. I have used them for sibling support groups. Every time I have implemented this activity the kids have enjoyed themselves AND there has been lots of positive therapeutic conversation. I even use these little bots myself, I made a "confidence bot" to hold onto while doing internship interviews. They are small little reminders of big things in life. Make a bot, put it in your pocket or give it away to share something positive in the world.
-K
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