There are few toddlers who are not captivated by the sight of colorful fireworks lighting up the night sky.
It’s the thunderous booms most tots can live without.
You want to see real fireworks? Take an unsuspecting toddler with sensitive hearing to a Fourth of July fireworks show and you’ll get a front row seat to an explosive meltdown the likes of which will surpass any holiday pyrotechnic show.
Unfortunately, if you have older children, who are unfazed by the massive booms that resonate in your head and chest, the option of staying home on the Fourth is unreasonable.
So, do you stay or do you go?
If you choose to venture out to view your local fireworks’ show, there are ways to ensure that your toddler has a good time. Here’s how:
Prepare: Eliminate the unknown. Treat your toddler to videos featuring eye-popping aerial fireworks. YouTube is teeming with amazing samples of fireworks displays. The shows at Disney are extremely popular and can be used as an introduction to your little guy in the days leading up to your Fourth of July fireworks adventure.
Ear Protection: I’ve tried sticking cheap plugs in my toddler’s ears and it was a disaster. If you are attending a pyrotechnic display that lasts more than 15 minutes, I would take along a pair of full size noise cancelling headphones. Another option is to bring along an iPod. Also, Sony sells headphones for kids that allow you to play music through them.
Location: If you are unsure of how your toddler will react to the shimmer and sound of fireworks, watch the show from a good distance away. Hang out in a nearby parking lot or pull into an empty field with the windows up and watch the display from the comfort of your vehicle.