More frequently, I find myself astonished by how fast time is flying by. I’m usually the one asking, “is it already summer?” or “Is it time for (specific holiday) already?”. The most popular?- “My baby is how old now??” (He’s 6 years old) Here I am, thinking, wow, July is arriving this week, and the 4th is literally this weekend. I have no clue what I’m doing yet…the holiday has snuck up on me once again, like the other holidays usually do!
I wanted to conjure up of a few things (four to be precise) that most families may not get to think about when celebrating Independence Day. Some of this may seem like a “no-brainer”, however, each year, accidents happen. No one is perfect. I’m sure we all know of a relative or friend who comes up with “best idea ever” that seems fun and willing to try, and, well, let’s say it just doesn’t turn out the way it was expected to! Much to my own shock, the National Fire Protection Association has reported, “The risk of fireworks injury was highest for young people ages 0-4, followed by children 10-14.”. Yikes! So here we go, let’s get started on these four things to keep in mind this weekend.
1. Please enjoy [fireworks] responsibly
Yes, I said that. As a kid, I loved those sparklers, and waved them around like I was a fairy princess, dancing around the yard, and as soon as that got over, I immediately got a new one. This is a favorite of many kids. Please keep in mind that not all kids, especially the toddlers may not know exactly what to do with them or just do their best to try to imitate another older child using them. Another favorite I liked were the fireworks that screamed in that really high pitch tone. (To this day, I do not know why I even liked these, but I won’t go there right now!) I know it might be interesting to see how the kids initially react to these popular at-home fireworks, but please consider if these (or any others) would be appropriate for your child. Why not try kid-friendly fireworks? Little ones have very sensitive ears, and simply covering them up with your hands momentarily or with headphones with the noises some fireworks make, most likely is not enough. Also, don’t forget to have the most responsible (and sober) person lighting the fireworks!
2. Be a good neighbor
If you live in the middle of nowhere, you can skip this part. If your neighbors are close by, then consider setting off your fireworks at a reasonable time in the evening, i.e., please not 11pm or midnight! Most people expect fireworks to be going off well into the evening after it gets dark anyway, but please try not to go overboard with it. Sometimes we get carried away at those parties, and time slips by faster than we realize, or while trying to get everyone and everything outside and “in place”, it’s been dark for a whi
le until you’re ready for fireworks. Maybe try gathering up the gang as soon as the sun begins to set. Even if you’re not having a party, some people think it feels like a block party when you’re out with your neighbors lighting up your fireworks at the same time. In my family, we are notorious for saying, “oooohhhh…..aaaahhhhh” after some of the fireworks, and neighbors tend to join in too! (Also, if you realize you have way too much food that’s going to be left over from your party, this gives you a chance to pawn it off on them, err…get rid of some of it!).
3. Try to be extra sensitive to your child at this time
This pertains to the very young kids, who nap or have an earlier bedtime. These summer nights don’t get dark until around 9pm, if not later. This puts a damper in going to the really spectacular fireworks display shows. It did for me. I tried the later nap time, even giving more sweets to keep him going past his bedtime, but no avail. There are many families who go through the same thing. Some kids can respond to their parents trying to “tire them out” more before nap time, they sleep later, and are more rested for the late night ahea
d. Not all kids can do this. If they tired, cranky, and simply not enjoying the show, it’s very difficult for them to live up to the expectation to stop behaving like this, when it’s no fault of their own. Some kids just simply like to stay on schedule. They have a whole life full of chances to see fireworks shows ahead of them, so keep in mind your child’s limits. The whole goal is to have fun and enjoy, isn’t it? Consider watching the fireworks shows on television, while cuddled up on the sofa.
4. Remember it’s America’s Birthday!
I’m not going to bore you with the history on this one. For your general trivia though, America will be 239 years old, or more politically correct, it’s been that long since we obtained our Independence. Many people in the past fought for our freedom and independence, and are serving our country to maintain this for us. Bring on your red, white, and blue to support these men and women, and have fun with it, from the parties, the crafts, singing the patriotic songs, waving the flags, go for it! There will be celebrations going on all over this country, and you don’t necessarily have to give the liquor store a lot of business to do so! Are you going to have a lot of little ones around? Here are 12 creative ways to make the holiday for fun (and safe) for them.
More than anything, have a very fun and fantastic holiday! I wish you safe travels if you’re venturing out this weekend, and if you have the day off (yes, not everyone does), enjoy the break! Happy 4th of July!
