Need to check about firework safety;....am I being precious?

[ClawHandsIfYouBelieveInFreaks]

So...do you let your children attend neighbour's early fireworks displays? What if you're not sure about how safe they'll be?

My neighbour has told me her Mum is planning to set off fireworks this week as it's half term and my DC are welcome....she said her DC would "Like it better" if mine are there.

Very kind indeed except this neighbour's Mother, while very nice, is a bit unstable. She drinks a lot basically and I often see her in the local post office in a bit of a state. She seems to have some sort of tremor as well which I am unsure is because of the drinking or an underlying illness.
My neighbour made it clear her Mother is doing the actual fireworks as she is too scared of them herself.

So IABU to tell neighbour the girls are nervous of fireworks (which they are actually) and that they will watch them through the window?

We';re planning to take them to a local restaurant on actual Bonfire Night as it's close to the main local organised display and there's a great view from the large windows...

I don't think you're being precious at all, I wouldn't be happy about my DCs going from how you've described it.

Ghoul I was pretty sure the first post would flame me for being unkind about someone with issues....I like them...I really do...but I just feel like it's not really safe...

yanbu
looking through the window is sensible

Home fireworks can be dangerous in the hands of a sensible adult who follows all the correct advice, so YANBU.

I still have a scar on my eyebrow from a sparkler which was 'mishandled' so I don't think you're being precious. Fireworks are explosives so need to be handled with great care.

I also think that because DH isn't from the UK and his reaction to fireworks is so much more cautious as they're illegal in his country...has made me more careful than many.

You read so many awful stories about them don't you?

Given how unstable the woman sounds I don't think you're being unreasonable, why not take them and stay with them?

Chilling I did think of that but if I'm going to be really honest, I just don't want to. I'm no protection if a firework goes awry am I? The Mother swears a lot too. They ARE nice people....I've not made them sound nice I know...but their hearts are in the right place. I just don't really want to socialise with them.

there are fireworks injuries every year. Being near them when being used by someone drunk and with a muscle tremor is just as stupid as it sounds.

don't go - and try to persuade your neighbour that she and her family would be much better at an organised display.

YANBU at all, you are totally within your rights to. If not handled properly, fireworks can be lethal.

Reading your post further, I woulden't go, why not offer to do it at yours, or if not just say you are not able to come.

I don't allow fireworks at all. Or mine to go to home firework displays. Fireworks should be left to the professionals.

YANBU.

I have spent a night in a&e with someone with a face injury due to a firecracker exploding in their face... not fun and the person now is blind on that eye...

Aero Our garden is full of water unfortunately. Plus the DC really are nervous of them so doing them here just isn't in the running. We don't want to.

Oh no then I woukd make an excuses and definitely not go. A drunk person with a tremour in charge of fireworks no no no!

If you went and it was evident she had something to drink, it would be difficult to get out of it.

I absolutely love fireworks (and get into spars on here because of it).

However, having had DFIL send a Roman Candle past my ear and having helped set up large party displays with near professional sized fire works, I'd worry about DCs in that situation.

I wouldn't let them go from what you have said. Even in the hands of the most sensible, sober, steady adults, fireworks can go wrong. Friends of ours used to have displays in their large garden when the children were small. They fitted in to the sensible category but I still remember a firework unexpectedy falling over after it had been lit and heading towards the onlookers. Fortunately it didn't hit anyone but we all knew what the consequences might have been.

Then just say that it's a lovely offer but yours are too scared of fireworks so not this year. Job done.

YANBU, I wouldn't go myself by your description, let alone send kids.