← The Pediatrician Next Door - Simple Advice on Parenting and Family Health
The Pediatrician Next Door - Simple Advice on Parenting and Family Health
Ep. 121: Fireworks 101: Kid-Friendly Tips for a Fun Fourth of July
00:19:20
Loading summary
Transcript4 lines
- [00:02]
A
At New Balance, we believe if you run, you're a runner, however you choose to do it. Because when you're not worried about doing things the right way, you're free to discover your way. And that's what running is all about. Run your way@newbalance.com Running the Jack Welch Management Institute at Strayer University helps you go from I know the way to I've arrived with our top 10 ranked online MBA. Gain skills you can learn today and apply tomorrow. Get ready to go from make it happen to made it happen and keep striving. Visit strayer.edu Jack WelchMBA to learn more. Strayer University is certified to operate in Virginia by Chev and has many campuses, including at 2121 15th Street north in Arlington, Virginia.
- [01:03]
B
Summer's here, and that means country fairs, time outside with family, maybe beach parties. And it also means it's fireworks season. Yes, fireworks, they are something that sparks a lot of excitement. For example, my husband and son are like, over the moon about this. And sometimes a little bit of fear and frustration, too. And especially for families that have young kids. Maybe you've got a toddler who cries every time they hear a loud boom. Maybe you have a sensory sensitive child who covers their ears for hours before the sun even goes down. You know those older kids, they all prematurely set off fireworks because they cannot wait until it gets dark. Or maybe, like many of the families I see, you've had a near miss, a burn, a firework that went the wrong way, and now you're wondering, is this really all worth it? Today's episode is about what fireworks really mean for kids, from physical injury risks to emotional reactions, and how you as a parent can make thoughtful, safe choices. All right, which fireworks do you think are the most dangerous? You're about to find out. I'm Dr. Wendy Hunter, and I'm the pediatrician next door. I'm that doctor friend you call for practical advice about your kid's health. I mix the science of medicine with the reality of parenting. Fireworks are part of so many summer memories. Fourth of July fairs, beach nights, backyard celebrations. But if you're a parent, you've probably already realized that fireworks can be tricky. They're loud, unpredictable, and they can be dangerous. Yet your kids want to be as close as possible to them, no matter their age. They want to hold the sparkler, run towards the boom, or they want to stay up late to watch the fireworks show, even if it terrifies them when it starts. So I'm a doctor, and of course I'm going to start with injuries, I can't help myself. As pediatricians, you may guess that we are often the least fun people at any party. You know, we're the ones who hate on pools and trampolines, and we always make everyone wear a helmet for, like, everything. We are always the nerds who want you to be careful about everything. But I've got some data to back me up here. Fireworks are one of the most common causes of injury in children during the summer months, especially around the Fourth of July. According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2023, an estimated 9,700 people were treated in emergency departments for fireworks related injuries. And my guess is that is a very low count because most people don't seek medical attention. Of people who did, about 30% of those who were injured were under the age of 15. In fact, kids age 5 to 9 had the highest injury rate of any group. I suspect that just as many dads and older kids are hurt, but they have learned to hide their injuries from their spouses and moms so that we don't take their fireworks away. So what kinds of injuries are we talking about? Well, burns, obviously. They account for about half of all fireworks injuries. The most common places on their body that people injure, it's the hands and fingers, face and eyes. And while some of these burns are mild, just like a small second degree burn that blisters and then heals, other injuries can be life altering. Kids do lose fingers. They suffer permanent vision loss. They need skin grafts and reconstructive surgery. It can be really intense. And it's not just the big fireworks that cause problems. Okay, so which ones are the most dangerous? It's sparklers. They're often handed to kids as a safe option, but they can reach temperatures of up to 2,000 degrees Fahrenheit. That's hot enough to melt glass and some metals. A sparkler can ignite clothing, burn skin, or hurt a child who simply brushes up against it or drops it while they're dancing. I once saw a toddler in clinic the day after a backyard fireworks party. Her older cousin had let her hold a sparkler for just a few seconds. The kid flinched, dropped it, and in the chaos, she stepped on the wire. Her foot was badly blistered and painful. Her parents were shocked. They thought sparklers were harmless, but they're not. In many states, consumer fireworks, the kind you can buy at a roadside stand or from a big box store, they're legal, but legal doesn't mean they're safe. Fireworks are explosives, period. They're designed to combust rapidly and produce heat, sound, light and motion. That means they're inherently risky, especially in the hands of children, teens, or even well meaning adults who are not always that careful. Misfires, unpredictable fuses, poor quality construction. They can lead to literal explosions on the ground and projectile injuries and fires. Even fireworks that appear to go off successfully can create hot debris that falls unpredictably onto roofs, cars or people. And if you live in a dry area, there's an added risk of wildfire. Every summer, firefighters respond to blazes caused by backyard fireworks displays. That's not just a danger to your family, that's a community wide hazard. Okay, all the doom and gloom. Let's talk about when things do go wrong, what you can do about it. Let's talk about basic first aid. If your child gets a minor burn, like from a sparkler or a match, you want to cool the area right away with clean running water for 10 or 15 minutes. You don't want to use ice or butter. They can make the burn worse. Once it's cool, cover the burn with a clean, dry cloth or a a non stick bandage. Go for medical care if the burn is blistered, or if it's on the face, hands, feet or genitals, or if you see signs of infection. For more serious injuries, especially eye injuries or large areas that are burned, you need to go straight to the emergency room. Time does matter in preventing long term damage, especially when it comes to vision or deep tissue injury. It's also worth reviewing your family's fire safety plan before the big day comes. That might mean checking that your garden hose works, that you have a bucket of water. If you're in a neighborhood where fireworks are legal, or that your kids know to never touch a firework that didn't go off those duds, they can still explode and cause harm. And one more thing, if you have pets, remember they're part of the family. Too many dogs and cats are terrified of fireworks, so it's a good idea to bring them inside, close the windows and make sure they're in a safe, quiet spot.
- [08:37]
C
This episode is brought to you by Lifelock. When you visit the doctor, you probably hand over your insurance, your ID and contact details. It's just one of the many places that has your personal info, and if any of them accidentally expose it, you could be at risk for identity theft. LifeLock monitors millions of data points a second. If you become a victim, they'll fix it, guaranteed or your money back. Save up to 40% your first year@lifelock.com podcast terms apply.
- [09:12]
B
Fireworks are synonymous with celebration, evoking awe with their vibrant colors and thunderous booms. For many, they're a cherished part of holidays like the Fourth of July. But as a pediatrician, I've seen firsthand how these dazzling displays can pose significant risks to our youngest spectators. So what can you do to keep kids safe? Okay, first the obvious. Young kids should never handle fireworks of any kind, even sparklers. Instead, pick a grown up lighting zone. Designate a specific place that's far away from where kids are playing, and you want to keep a bucket of water or a hose nearby just in case. If older kids are using sparklers under supervision, teach them to hold them at arm's length away from their face and away from their clothing and other people. And always put them in a bucket of water when they're done. And of course you want to wear closed toe shoes. I know it's summer. And be careful about the clothing. Don't wear anything too loose. Besides the potential danger of these fun, fiery projectiles, what about kids who are not physically hurt by fireworks, but they are emotionally overwhelmed by them? For some kids, especially toddlers and preschoolers and kids with sensory sensitivities, fireworks can be really scary. And you know, don't forget about your dogs too. The sudden loud noises, the flashing lights, you know, it's really unpredictable. All of these can trigger a fight or flight response in a vulnerable kid. If your child has ever burst into tears at the first boom, or you've seen them cover their ears and beg to go home, I know you know what I'm talking about. So fireworks can be really, really intense. They're loud, they can be disorienting. And for kids who are sensitive to sensory stimuli or have anxiety, or if they have past trauma, that can be really overwhelming. Even for typically developing kids, the surprise factor of a firework can be enough to ruin what was supposed to be a really fun night. It helps you if you can prepare your child ahead of time, it's a great idea to talk about what fireworks sound like before the big night happens. If you have a child who's sensitive to sound or is easily startled, start by talking to them about what they can expect. Describe fireworks as something like big loud surprises in the sky. Show them a video ahead of time so they're not caught off guard. Let your child know it's okay to be nervous and don't forget to tell them that they can leave any time. You can also offer noise canceling headphones, which are really great for loud Events in general, they muffle the sound without making your child feel like they're not part of the party. If you're going to a public fireworks show, you can also choose to watch from far away or from inside the car where it's quieter. For some kids, if they're able to leave the crowd behind, that makes all the difference. They might be less on edge if they feel like they have that kind of control over the situation. And let's not forget the youngest kids. Like babies and toddlers. Fireworks are usually scheduled way past their bedtime, and nothing is going to make a meltdown more likely than an overtired toddler with loud noises and flashing lights around them. So sometimes the best choice for everyone's sanity is to skip the live show altogether and instead enjoy a family friendly video version at home, followed by bedtime at a decent hour. If you do choose to go to a fireworks show, it helps to have a plan. Where are you going to sit? How close is the parking lot in case you need to leave early? Do you have snacks and water and bug spray and a cozy blanket? These might seem like little details, but these are the things that are going to help kids feel calm and comfortable in an unfamiliar setting. So be prepared and pack for the occasion. Okay? What about the kid who truly hates fireworks and you don't want to go and you want another plan? Or what if you've had a close call or an injury in the past and no one wants to do that again? If your child simply does not want to attend, respect their boundary. You're just honoring their nervous system. If your child is scared of fireworks or or if you're not participating, it's okay to talk with them about why. You can try saying something like, fireworks are fun for some people, but they're also loud and can be dangerous. So we're going to find our own way to celebrate, and we're going to find one that feels safe and happy for our family. You can even empower your child to make their own choice. Ask them, do you want to try watching the fireworks from the car, or would you rather stay home and do glow sticks? When kids feel like they have control, they're less likely to panic. They're more likely to enjoy the experience. And skipping the fireworks doesn't mean you're depriving them. There are lots of ways to celebrate without fireworks. If your child is too young or too sensitive and you want to skip it, there are lots of alternatives that feel really special. One alternative is for young kids to have a glow Stick. Give them glow sticks and glow necklaces and bracelets and flashlights and let them march around your yard or the neighborhood. Or you could have an LED light show. Use battery powered light wands, projectors, color changing lamps, things like that, and make a beautiful display that's not going to startle anyone and it's not going to catch anything on fire. You can also try blowing bubbles in the dark, fill your yard with lighted bubble machines, or even glow in the dark. Bubbles, yes, that's a thing. And you can have a more quiet form of celebration if you really, really feel like you need to make loud noises, though, in order for it to sound fun. You can buy confetti poppers. You can decorate your backyard with string lights. You can make red, white and blue treats, or have a flashlight treasure hunt after sunset. And what about fourth of July crafts? Don't forget about that. You can get creative with red, white and blue art projects, cookies, or even homemade lanterns. And if you just love fire, a small backyard fire pit can offer warmth and light and you can tell stories around it. Without the chaos of fireworks, you can create any new tradition you want for your family. Another great tradition is that some families like to write wishes or kind words on paper lanterns and then release them into the sky. The goal here is just to create joy and connection in your family. It's not to recreate the fall full sensory overload of a fireworks display. So if skipping fireworks means your child feels safe and supported, that's a win for everyone. And remember, watching a professional display on TV can be just as interesting to a young child. And it comes with the added bonus of early bedtime, no bug bites, and indoor plumbing. You know what I mean? Fireworks can be fun and they can be festive, but they're not for everybody. And they certainly are not harmless. As a pediatrician, you know, I've seen the injuries. And as a mom, I have seen the tears. But I've also seen how creative families can be when they're just focused on joy and connection. Whether you're lighting sparklers in your driveway the way I told you to, being safe, or or going to a big city show, you're making memories. And the best memories aren't made when everyone is stressed out or scared or hurt. They're made when we feel safe. So take care of your little ones, trust your gut as a parent, and don't be afraid to skip the boom in favor of a little extra peace and quiet. Do what feels safe. Do what brings joy. Thanks for spending this time with me. Today. If you found this episode helpful, I would really appreciate it if you would leave me a review, share it with a friend, or reach out to me with questions. For more from the Pediatrician next door, find me on the web@ pediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com if you've got a question about the weird things kids do, send an email to helloediatriciannextdoorpodcast.com for a chance to hear your voice on the show. I'm Dr. Wendy Hunter and I'm the Pediatrician Next Door. This show is produced by Red Rock Music. Make sure to subscribe and leave a review wherever it is you're listening. I'll be back next time with more.