Fireworks: 6 Tips to Help Kids who are Scared

04 Jul Fireworks: 6 Tips to Help Kids who are Scared

Are your kids scared of fireworks?

While the beautiful explosion of colors in the sky are wonders for all to see, kids are often very scared of fireworks because of the loud boom that accompanies them. Have no fear- Here are 6 tips to help with fireworks fright.

6 Tips to Help Kids who are Scared of Fireworks

1. Be a sound detective:

   Many kids, whether they have sensory processing struggles or not, will often be scared when they hear an unexpected sound. It could be a creak in the floor. Or, it could be a cabinet closing, causing them to wonder, “What was that?!” When they discover what is causing the sound, kids will find that there is nothing to fear. Take a walk in your neighborhood or around your home and listen for sounds to determine where they start. Once they find the sounds’ origins, they will understand the unexpected noises better.

2. Ask questions/fact check:

   Fears and anxiety often come from the unknown. At North Shore Family Services, we often refer to this as the “what ifs” that may or may not be likely to happen. Ask your child if the “what ifs” are likely to happen. What if it’s a dinosaur coming to eat us? What if it’s a HUGE bowling ball coming right for us? Come up with silly answers to help ease their worries.

3. Count:

   Did you know that after the sparkle of the fireworks hit the sky, we often will hear the BOOM about 1 second later? Here’s a trick: count one second with your child using “one one thousand” to see if that’s right. The boom will be more predictable and often calm your child’s nerves. If your kids hear a boom and don’t see the fireworks, you can help them by letting them know that the firework probably went off about a second before then and maybe it didn’t go off high enough in the sky to see it. You can refer to it as a “dud” firework. “Bummer, Emma, we missed that one.”

4. Anticipate the big noise and match it:

   Challenge your kids to be louder than the fireworks. Teach them to roar like a lion or drum like a drummer when they anticipate the loud firework. By teaching them this trick, you empower them to take control of their fears!

5. Weighted blankets/big hugs:

   Kids like to feel secure when they are scared, so wrap them in a big hug or blanket while watching the fireworks together. If you can make your kids feel more secure, who wouldn’t try that?

6. Noise canceling headphones:

   Sometimes, the beauty of the fireworks for some young ones does not outweigh the scary sounds for them. Noise canceling headphones can help tremendously. We recommend one from The Sensory Kids Store, locally in Wilmette.

Dori J. Mages, MSW, LCSW

Dori earned her Master of Social Work from The University of Illinois at Chicago’s Jane Addams College of Social Work in 1997. She also has a Bachelor of Science in psychology from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dori has worked with children, adolescents, and families since 1994 in several areas of social work including: foster care, schools, hospitals, and private practice. She earned her Type 73 school social work certification in 1997 and has worked with children of all needs in the public schools for 7 years. She knows the importance of collaborating with parents, teachers and school staff (with parental consent) to provide the most beneficial services. Dori has also been interviewed on ABC and NBC news as an expert discussing therapeutic topics and articles she has written. As a wife and mother of three, she understands the challenges and rewards of raising children and is compassionate about helping children and families navigate the difficult times. Dori prides herself on being a valuable coach and “cheerleader” to the families she serves and strives to give families the tools they will need to improve their quality of life long after therapy ends. As a wife, and mother of three, she understands the challenges and joys of raising children and works with you every step of the way.