Child scared of Fireworks

Agutka

What can one do to make a not quite two year old more comfortable about fireworks? My nephew heard his first (that he cares to remember) on Sunday and he was petrified.
Is it a good idea to show him fireworks? I shouldn't think hiding him away is good in the long run. These things will be noising away for weeks to come. I would like him to enjoy them. From far away of course.

jackieb

I took my son to an organised display for the first time when he was 2yo. He screamed blue murder and has had a phobia since. I can't remember why this started. We never had fireworks at home. He never got a scare that I can think of. I've posted here about him.

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=3289692#post3289692

Of course i'm not saying your nephew will turn out like my son.

sali_mali

I'm scared of fireworks too (I'm 19!) since seeing an episode of 999 (anyone remember that?) and a spark landed in a little boys eye :eek:

Never been a problem, I just don't go to displays... or out at all on fireworks night if I can help it. Then again, I'm not scared of the noise so I'm quite happy to stay at home. Sorry I don't have anything useful to suggest, just thought I'd let you know I have no problem with missing out so maybe when he's older he'll be ok?

kittykate_2

I was scared when i was little, kinda am a little now at 21yo lol. What my mum used to do is have the family round and let fireworks off in the back yard, I would be stood inside watching out of the window. Perhaps you could take your little one to a fireworks display but stay in the car watching them?

it's the noise i don't/didn't like.

[Deleted User]

I took my son to a fireworks dispaly when he was 2. I knew it it was a case or love or hate but thank goodness he loved them. Perhaps if you show your son what they are about by making some in the garden he will come round? Just a suggestion.

Agutka

Just like with thunder. I'm scared of the loud bangs, but it is beautiful and amazing, so as long as I'm wrapped up in hubby I love it, although initial reaction is to run away.
Has anyone tried Van1971's suggestion? Showing him what it's all about?
Although I really prefer fireworks from far away. Huge public displays or from someone else's garden. I hate private fireworks - I watch them from inside the house.
It must just be the noise - the displays are pretty. The bangs must scare everyone, even if you're half expecting them.

Lillibet_2

I have never had to deal with this but I'd suggest trying to show him some displays from the safety of the car or his bedroom, with you very close by to talk him through & comfort him if he gets scared, familar toy to hold etc. Then off for hot chocolate/treat regardless of whether he likes them or not (because he's been a brave boy whatever the outcome). If he still doesn't like them then that's OK, don't make a fuss, just let it all die down, he may have forgotton his fear by next year!

Good luck;)

thetope

when i was young i didn't like the noise, that's what really scared me. i still don't particularly like the noise even though i love fireworks displays! (also still get a bit uneasy in thunder too!!)

i recommend putting some ear defenders on him (or some good earplugs) while he watches, that should make it less scary

Becles

My son was scared of thunder and fireworks. I used to sit him on the windowsill and make him watch, but I was standing behind hugging him so he felt safe.

Once he realised the lightening was beautiful and the fireworks were fun, he wasn't really bothered about the noise.

zippybungle

My 4 year son old is terrified of fireworks too :rolleyes:

We have tried taking him to firework displays, but he absolutely hates it! The last time we went to one was on August bank holiday, he crying, yet his baby brother (who had just turned 1 year old) actually managed to fall asleep in his pushchair whilst all the loudest rockets were going off! :rolleyes:

This year we are going to stay at home and have some 'pretty' but not noisy fireworks in the garden, so my son can stay in the house and watch them from the safety of patio doors

playgirl83

hiya,
i think some of the things the others have said would be worth a try.
i would show him the fireworks from a window and try to make it fun for him, also if you could get hold of any story books or films that involve fireworks maybe that would work, or if you cant find any try using his fave character in a made up story about how they love fireworks and they used to be a bit scared but there not now:)
i really hope that he can get to like the fireworks and enjoy them, some of the really loud banging fireworks are not nice for kids i prefer the pretty ones.
heather xxxx