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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

..... to not want my son to be given sparklers?

187 replies

Fryib · 04/11/2010 21:04

Hes 3.3 and we are going to a friends where the kids are going to play, do some craft stuff (think gluing, glitter, painting etc) and then friend mentioned shes bought some sparklers.

My two Dc re 3.3 and 15 months, so I said thanks but I dont want him having one. Her dcs are 3 and 15months and oldest will have one.

Am i pfb?

OP posts:
Original poster
Fryib · 04/11/2010 21:34

in my head the scean (sp?) will go something like this

im stood behind ds3 holding his hand holding the sparkler. Also holding my v.clingy 15MO DD.

my DS starts waving sparkler, then saying "no mummy I can do by myself" whilst waving sparler and wriggling dancing etc tring to pull away from me

DD starts wanting to break free, reach for sparkler genrally move around/ join in

someone gets hurt.

OP posts:
southeastastra · 04/11/2010 21:37

as i said earlier, ds picked up a sparkler and yes it did hurt him but he learnt from it (hopefully!)

i think you could be in danger of over worrying teh child about possible dangers - just try and relax and enjoy firework night Smile

2rebecca · 04/11/2010 21:38

The kids don't have to have their sparklers at the same time. My kids started sparklers young, initially with me holding it with them. When they started holding them themself they always had an adult giving them undivided attention whilst they waved it.
In the OPs scenario 1 person holds firmly on to the 15 month old whilst another parent suypervises the 3 year olds, one at a time with a sparkler. Doesn't seem dangerous at all to me.

Diziet · 04/11/2010 21:39

Aaargh, Fryib, that's just the sort of thing I'd have running through my head too. And my DH would probably be even worse than me: he thinks fireworks are best viewed from a safe distance - like from another city! Grin

Diziet · 04/11/2010 21:41

In fact this probably explains why I've never smoked: IT'S A NAKED FLAME INCHES FROM YOUR FACE FFS!!! I think I may be Pyrophobic!! Grin

Towatessa · 04/11/2010 21:42

YANBU

No way would I let mine near a sparkler (14 months & 3, nearly 4)! They can cause horrific burns and it only takes a second of you being distracted for them to gain a scar for life.

samcrow · 04/11/2010 21:43

Can't remember exact ages but pretty sure my DCs had sparklers at age 3. As someone else said, put the 15mo in the pushchair and watch the older one.

I don't think the danger is that great, maybe the DCs could take in in turn so the mums can keep a better watch.

southeastastra · 04/11/2010 21:44

really though, be realistic, it's a sparkler. what's the worst that could happen?

Rocketbird · 04/11/2010 21:45

My 2.9yo will have some tomorrow, Sainsburys permitting. With close supervision I cannot see the harm.

MmeLindt · 04/11/2010 22:00

Ok, don't google this.

I did it for you.

:o

Changed my mind.

Tell your friend that you are not happy with sparklers, that you saw on the ¨news that it was unsafe for under 5yos.

BBwannaB · 04/11/2010 22:04

Please don't allow your child to have a sparkler or go near others holding them, my DN was badly burnt a few years ago with another childs sparkler and still has to have special creams etc for her scar

FunnysInTheGardenWithASparkler · 04/11/2010 22:06

YABU. Its a sparkler. Keep you eye on them at all times and all will be well. DS1 ran a mile when I lit a sparkler for him last year - he was 3.5. Children are more switched on than we think. Maybe this year he will hold it, but who knows.

gizzy1973 · 04/11/2010 22:06

make a pretend one for both of your dc

i wouldnt let him have one but then again i am scared of them at my age so doubt my ds will ever get to hold one when i am around

LetThereBeRock · 04/11/2010 22:07

YANBU. I hate them.

And as for 'What's the worst that could happen'?

The child could be badly burned by the sparks,or by direct contact with the sparkler itself. They burn at about 1800 degrees Fahrenheit.

EldonAve · 04/11/2010 22:08

YANBU at all

LynetteScavo · 04/11/2010 22:09

YANBU.

No way would I let my DC have them.

Librashavinganotherbiscuit · 04/11/2010 22:09

'What's the worst that could happen'?

Third degree burns.

misdee · 04/11/2010 22:10
onadietcokebreak · 04/11/2010 22:10

Yanbu . Even at 31 I am not allowed them!

LynetteScavo · 04/11/2010 22:12

I was once at at firework party where the host gave her 3yo a sparkler.She was with him the whole time, kneeling down at his level. He still managed to burn his hand. Stupid woman.

Rocketbird · 04/11/2010 22:14

Like everything it's matter of weighing up the risks isnt it? I have an open fireplace. Unless we teach dd how to behave around fires then we might as well block it up. I no longer have stairgates and dd has learnt how to behave on stairs. Chances are she will run a mile from them tomorrow. But if she doesn't I have no qualms about letting her have one.

Trop · 04/11/2010 22:15

No you are not pfb.

I hate all fireworks, just really dangerous and silly to allow a small child to play with something that could hurt them so badly.

You wouldn't let him play with matches either would you?

Oblomov · 04/11/2010 22:16

Misdee, that advert is saying don't pick them up. But we all now this. Yes a child could pick one up. Not if they are properly supervised and you are holding it with them though.

misdee · 04/11/2010 22:22

i know ob. but that advert scared me for years as a kid!

PinkIceQueen · 04/11/2010 22:25

Strap the younger one into a buggy. Have a safety chat with the older one. Wear gloves. Kneel down behind him, 1 arm around waist, other holding sparkler at arms length. As soon as sparkler has finished, remove it from hand and put straight into cold bucket. My 2 have always had them, no accidents, they love them and so do I! It's a tradition to stand on our doorstep waving sparklers before we head off to an organised display :) enjoy.

Having said that, if is going to cause more stress than pleasure, give it a miss.