Fourth of July is just a week away, but not everyone enjoys the big fireworks show. Children of all ages can become overwhelmed by the noise, lights and celebration.
鈥淗oliday days can be really fun, and they鈥檙e a total departure from our regular routine,鈥� said Kennedy Krieger Institute psychologist Matt Edelstein.
Changes to your daily routine can often create stress and July Fourth is particularly overstimulating.
鈥淜ids who are tired or hungry tend to be less tolerant of certain things,鈥� Edelstein said. 鈥�(Fireworks) happen at night, maybe at the end of a very long day.鈥�
He said kids and adults should have an exit plan, which is a place to take a break. This could be your car if you鈥檙e out in public or a specific room if you鈥檙e inside a home.
鈥淗aving a space where we can kind of wind down and sort of collect ourselves isn’t a bad idea,鈥� he said.
Edelstein also recommends adding predictability to the day by making sure everyone knows what to expect.
鈥淎dding that extra layer of structure can help everybody really enjoy the holiday,鈥� Edelstein said. 鈥淚f we plan in advance, then we don’t have to use all that energy thinking 鈥榃hat do we do?鈥� because we’ve already established a plan. It’s good for adults, it’s good for kids, it’s good for everybody.鈥�
Some kids might need ear protection for the fireworks. A few alternatives include drone shows, glow parties, or staying home to watch the fireworks on television.
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