What to do When Child is Scared of Fireworks
I thought this year would be different. We packed up our blanket and filled the cooler with water for the kids, beer for mom and dad, than hit the trail for a 15 minute walk to the golf course for the community fire work show. Everyone was happy and excited and there was no way my son wasn’t going to be scared of the loud noises this year. Well…. I was wrong….Again.
This year we made it 30 seconds into the show before he started panicking and saying he didn’t want to be there. He was literally running and crying in terror when multiple rounds went off. So, we had to pack up and leave during the show. He later told us that it was creepy and he was scared the lights would fall and burn him.
So now I’m on a mission to solve this mystery and have scoured the web for advice. Here are the most common ways to help a child overcome the fear of fireworks.
Leave the Kids at Home
The most obvious thing to do is to leave your terrified child in the comfort of their own home. If you know there is going to be a problem, make plans for a baby sitter before you head out to enjoy the show. It beats making the trip, setting up camp and having to pack up early. But that doesn’t help them overcome their fear.
Talk About the Fear of Fireworks and Watch Some Videos
In order to solve any problem, you need to know the root cause of the issue. If you can’t figure out what’s wrong with your car, you take it to the shop to get it diagnosed. It’s the same concept with kids. You have to try to understand what is really making them scared. Sit away from the crowds if they don’t like being around large groups of people. Buy some earmuffs if they are freaked out by the noise. Watch some firework videos to get them comfortable with the experience if they don’t like lights in their face.
Ear Protection for Loud Fireworks
There are several hearing protection earmuffs on the market under $20. They can be used for everything from monster truck shows, sensory issues and yes loud fireworks. They very simply cancel or muffle loud noises and work wonders for the noise issue. I bought these Snug Kids Earmuffs based on the near 5 star review and 3,500 purchases.
Listen to Audiobooks or Music
The last thing I want is for my kids to be in front of a screen instead of enjoying the show. The next best thing is to put on some noise canceling headphones and put on an audiobook of their choice. What a better way to drown out the noise than to listen to some Hank the Cowdog, Stink or Harry Potter?
Eye Masks for the Sight of Fireworks
I think this is going a little overboard. The idea is to get your children to not be afraid of seeing the fireworks. At this point your little one is already afraid of the noise so has the earmuff on. They’d might as well be sleeping if you’re adding an eye mask on top of that. But extreme cases call for extreme measures and it’s better to have a backup plan than to pack up and go home mid show.
The Jumping Game
From what I understand, this is for anybody who gets startled and jumps when they hear a loud noise.
The idea is to make it into a fun game where everyone jumps when they hear a loud boom. You can add to the game by shouting out your favorite cartoon character, super hero or any topic.
Stay Calm and don’t belittle the Kid
As frustrating and confusing as it can be, don’t get mad or belittle your kids for being scared.
I am a grown man and still have a fear of clowns to the point where I want to punch them in the face (But that’s a topic for a different blog)
The point is, making fun of your kid and getting upset will only make things worse in the long run.
Stay calm and collected and try to talk out the issues when back home.
Moral of the Story
We have all been scared of something. For me it’s clowns and for you it might be heights or spiders. Someone telling us not to be scared doesn’t make it any better. The only thing we can do to get over our fears is to conquer it ourselves.
We are the security blanket for our kids and as long as we are raising them, it’s our job to make them feel safe and help them overcome their fears.
Hopefully and eventually my little guy and your little guy or gal will overcome their fear and enjoy sights and sounds of our nations independence.
But what do I know, I am just a guy trying to figure out this dad thing.
Happy 4th of July Dads!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByQgpXYnxyE&feature=youtu.beVideo by Tim Barrier
