July 4Th Curiousity

Oh yes! We had some of the best 4ths of July when we lived places that allowed people to set off their own fireworks at certain locations.

Most people will probably freak out and tell you no, but I always let my little ones use sparklers. I don't remember about toddlers, specifically. I probably helped them hold them, so they wouldn't stick them in their eye.

I grew up in Mexico, where it was common for people to do all kinds of crazy things with fireworks, so I think differently about it than most.

We do fireworks in our cul-de-sac - we pull our lawn chairs out and my husband makes the preparations....bucket of water, lighter, etc. and let'er rip!!!

We've been doing this for at least 7 years now....our neighbors love it.

I love it because I don't have to deal with large crowds and losing my children due to excitement over it (not that they really wander but you know what I mean!!) and the best part?!?!?! I don't have to wait in line for a toilet or a drink!! YAHOO!!!

i wouldnt give my 2 1/2 year old a sparkler (but thats me i have a 4 year old and im still iffy with them). usually we live in ca. and we normally go to the university and watch them. this year we will be going to washington (driving right through your town :)) to spend the holiday with my dads family and they set their own off. so im not sure what they will have if anything for her.
but my suggestion is to get her some glow sticks they are festive and safer for them i will get my 4 year old some for sure from the dollar store :).

Sigh.. :(
If I let my son stay up past bedtime it turns into meltdown city! Can't wait until I can keep him up. I miss going to the fireworks!

Sparklers can get as hot as 2000 degrees. My sister was burned in the face by a sparkler that had just gone out when she was a kid. She still has a scar and she's in her 40s. I know people think I'm crazy, but I don't do sparklers with my kids and I stay clear the heck away from other kids doing them.

My kids have always loved fountains and ground flowers. My son is seven and he just got to the point where he is not scared to carry sparklers and I feel a little bit more secure about it too.

I would only let her do sparklers with an adult actually hanging onto the stick, but even then be very careful. The actual sparks don't really hurt much if they get you, but the burnt out sticks can be dangerous. It would probably be better to do the fountain sparklers and just sit back with her and watch. Also, little kids always love those poppers, that you throw at the ground and they make a loud snapping noise. You could get her a few boxes of those.

I am probably on the conservative side, but I think it's much too young even to hold a sparkler. Show them to her and let her enjoy, but NOT TOUCH. Better to learn that lesson well and early. Enjoy the 4th

Fireworks are against the law in my town. We can be arrested for bringing them into the city limits. all of the firework booths are outside the city limits. The police sit at the city limits and stop everyone coming from the booth. So we go to the city's fireworks display. There are usually a bunch. Different organizations usually put on their own show. I think iit works well because we go, sit on blankets, the kids have the opportunity to hear the patriotic music and hear and see the fireworks but not too close.

If you really want to do fireworks at home then just make sure you have simple ones like sparklers and poppers, things that don't blow up in their fingers.

my son had a sparkler when he was 2-and poked it in his eye. he is fine, but, no, I wouldn't do it again.

We let the professionals handle it--we enjoy the show and go home.

Hello, Due to the fact that my older brother almost lost a hand in a fireworks accident, we do not use any type of fireworks. Sparklers are just that and yes, can burn.
K. K.

Lots of websites on child safety and fireworks, all recommend against sparklers for young children:

"The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission offers these recommendations: Sparklers, considered by many the ideal "safe" firework for the young, burn at very high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing. Children cannot understand the danger involved and cannot act appropriately in case of emergency." You might check out other official Fireworks Safety websites for for tips on a safe 4th .

We always pull up a chair somewhere where we can watch an official celebration (you don't usually have to be near the big crowds to enjoy it).

sparklers can definitely burn you. so you need to help her hold it.
make sure her clothes are 100% natural fibers (like cotton) because synthetic cloth will melt to your skin if caught on fire.
people tend to wave sparklers but thats very dangerous, especially when there is more than one person outside!
i think sparklers are fine for toddlers, but maybe thats because i grew up with fireworks and i am fully aware of the dangers and was taught at a young age to protect myself and others (my dad was a licensed pyrotechnician)