The 4th of July is a day filled with fun and patriotism. While many find the firework displays to be great fun, some kids have a hard time with the loud noises, bright colors, and busy crowds. Here are 7 tips you can implement into the day to help your child enjoy the fireworks this year.
- Prepare your Child: Tell your child what is going to happen from beginning till end. Tell him while getting in the car, during the car ride, and before arriving. Sometimes it’s recommended to even do it before leaving for the event. The more your child knows about what to expect, the better they will respond to the situation. Watching Youtube videos of firework shows can also help kids prepare, and even get excited to experience this in real life!
- Bring some noise-canceling headphones and sunglasses: The headphones can be helpful to quiet any loud or unwanted sound. Bright lights from the fireworks can cause sensory discomfort.
- Watch from a distance: By watching from a distance you may be able to minimize the sensory input from the fireworks. For example, you can watch fireworks from the car or house to avoid the full experience.
- Deep breaths: a good strategy to implement when stressed is deep breathing. Encourage deep breathing before and during the event.
- Bring distractions: bring preferred items. Favorite snacks or toys. Sometimes we just need a break.
- Focus on FUN: don’t forget to have fun. Always remind the kid that this is fun. This is a fun activity. Have a smile on your face. The loud noises don’t have to be scary.
- Plan B: Sometimes even trying our best, things don’t go as planned. Have a plan to have a second vehicle so you and the kid can leave. Have an extra adult that’s able to leave and go somewhere else with the kid if needed. Safety is always first, and sometimes the events can still be too overwhelming, even with these tips implemented.
We hope these tips can help make the holidays more autism-friendly for your children. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to us at TEAM 4 Kids! Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!
Ivan Ramirez-Diaz, RBT