How to Prepare Your Toddler for the 4th of July Fireworks

The 4th of July is an exciting and enjoyable time for many families all across the United States of America. There will be cookouts, family reunions, gatherings with friends and at the end of the night there will be a lot of beautiful and loud explosions of fireworks all across the country. Unfortunately, these loud fireworks can be a scary thing for a small child. Two of my three daughters were very afraid of fireworks when they were toddlers. Here are a few tips that I have learned, over my many years of mothering, that may help you prepare your toddler for the upcoming 4th of July fireworks.

Prepare in Advance - If you are worried about your toddler being scared of fireworks, or your child has voiced fears over the upcoming displays, then you should definitely start preparing your toddler ahead of time for the fireworks. You should talk about how much fun fireworks are to watch, how bright and beautiful the colors are and how sometimes the fireworks even create pictures in the sky. Tell your toddler that the fireworks can be loud, but that they can cover their ears to make it better. Let your toddler know that there is nothing to be afraid of and that you will be right there with the during the whole 4th of July fireworks show.

Show Photographs of Fireworks - There are many sites on the internet that display photographs of fireworks. Utilize these sites to show your toddler photos of beautiful firework displays and show them that there is nothing to worry about. Fireworks are for everyone's viewing pleasure.

Show Videos of Fireworks - If you have fireworks from the previous years on a video, then you should show them to your toddler. Let them see how the fireworks look and sound in the comfort of their own home. You can even turn up the volume on your television a little to help your toddler get use to the sound of fireworks being shot off. Make sure to point out any cheers from the crowd to prove that people really do enjoy the fireworks display.

Pick a Viewing Location for the Fireworks Display - Where ever you are going to watch your local 4th of July fireworks display, make sure that you choose somewhere comfortable so that you can cuddle up with your toddler. If possible, choose a location that is far enough away from where the fireworks are being shot off, but close enough to see everything easily. The further away you are from where the fireworks are being shot, the lower the explosion volume will be. The sound of the fireworks exploding is scarier to most toddlers than the actual display.

Make Your Toddler Comfortable During the Fireworks Display - Your toddler feels safest in your arms, so allow them to cuddle up with you when the fireworks begin. You may even want to bring along a light blanket to cover the two of you up and to allow your toddler to hide under the blanket if they feel so inclined. My older daughter use to hide under a blanket, that I brought along with us, until she was about five years old. Also make sure that you are pointing out the great colors and designs during the display. Some children get more focused on the noise and forget to look at the actual fireworks display.

Do whatever your toddler asks of you to make them more comfortable during the 4th of July fireworks. My second daughter always wanted to lay in my lap with my hands over her ears. She always said that her hands weren't big enough so I had to use my hands. Once we were like that she would happily lay there and enjoy the 4th of July fireworks. My third daughter enjoyed her first 4th of July fireworks display last summer by falling asleep. You may be surprised that once the fireworks display begins that your toddler's fears have vanished with the arrival of the intriguing colors and elaborate designs of the fireworks. Enjoy and have a great 4th of July!!

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