Do you take your young children to see fireworks?
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Photos
Videos (1)
Videos
It’s the 4th of July and that means barbecues, fireworks and maybe even sparklers.
Sparklers
Here’s the guidance from the Consumer Product Safety Commission:
Always have an adult supervise fireworks activities. Parents don't realize that young children suffer injuries from sparklers. Sparklers burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees - hot enough to melt some metals.
I remember playing with sparklers as a kid and loving it, but when my son gets old enough, I’m not sure exactly how I will handle it. How do you handle sparklers with your children?
Fireworks
As children get older, some progress beyond the sparklers and want to set off their own fireworks, which can be very dangerous. How do you handle that with your children?
The CPSC does not limit themselves to one short statements on fireworks safety. They have page on their website dedicated to it. They also produced a very explosive video on it, which you can see in the upper right corner of this article under Video, just click on it.
When you go to big July 4th displays, most people enjoy the colorful fireworks in the sky, but some children, especially younger children are not so fond of the loud noise that comes with the light show.
My son is 14 months old and I’m worried that the noise will be too much for him and make him cry. It’s a shame, because I think he’d really love seeing the dancing lights in the sky, but I don’t think we’ll be going to a fireworks show this year.
Do you take your young children to fireworks displays?
Earnest
9:04 am on Sunday, July 1, 2012
If you think your child will be afraid of the noise you should get a pair of ear covers that look like the big old head phones, that people who work in loud work places and cut grass use. Of course you can always stake out a place to watch from inside the car if you find he doesn't like the noise.
Lucy Bennett
12:05 am on Monday, July 2, 2012
Thanks Earnest. We've been thinking about the car angle. We have those headphones, but my issues is that I'm not sure my son will keep them on.
Andy Tucker
3:24 pm on Sunday, July 1, 2012
When it comes to sparklers and children, there should always be adult supervision. when the sparkler burns out, the wire is glowing red hot. Kids tend to think that once the sparks are done that they can play with the melt rod. DON'T let them, this is where the kids will get hurt. Also have a bucket of water near by, so the melt rods can be placed in the bucket. As for small children and firework display, Earnest said it all, ear muffs will muffle the explosive sounds and the children can enjoy the bright colors.