Independence Day may have already come and gone -- but that doesn't mean that children won't still have the desire (and occasionally the opportunity) to experiment with firecrackers, sparklers, and other types of legal and illegal fireworks.

For kids with ADHD, this can be an especially dangerous endeavor, as Erika Lyn Smith reported in an article on BellaOnline:

Impulsivity, which is part of being a child, is increased in children and adults living with ADHD ... and is a concern for higher risk of injury. ADD and ADHD people tend to find themselves caught up in the moment and will often do or say things out of character when impulsivity takes over which increases the risk of self-injury.

Parents have the responsibility to protect children from gross obvious dangers to a childs health and wellbeing. That means teaching children not to play with fire, and not only when it is convenient but when necessary.

Parents of children with ADHD should exercise particular caution with fireworks. Keep an eye on sparklers. Make sure you're safely distant from larger fireworks displays, and if you're setting off smaller fireworks at home, only let adults light them.

Labels: dangers, parenting, fireworks

Posted By: Aspen/CRC