From The Confessional: Fireworks Were Fun, Until We Became Parents

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Oh, joy! Independence Day is here! I can’t wait to see my intoxicated neighbors attempt to set off fireworks—only to inevitably mess it up and need to call for help after losing a finger. Or to deal with my toddler being wide awake for three consecutive nights while the town fills the sky with explosions. And then there’s the aftermath of living with a cranky, overtired child for the week. Not to mention the kids constantly pleading to go to a fireworks display, which involves enduring endless traffic, a questionable porta-potty half a mile away, and ending the night drenched in sweat and covered in mosquito bites. Can. not. wait.

If you find yourself feeling similarly overwhelmed by the chaos that comes with fireworks and our nation’s somewhat bizarre fixation on them, you’re definitely not alone. Many parents are just as fed up with the late-night booms that keep their children awake, terrify their pets, and feel like literally burning money.

Why on earth do people insist on setting off fireworks here? It’s ALWAYS foggy on the Fourth of July! You can’t see a thing—just a loud waste of cash. Seriously, what’s the point?

Confession #24886186: In my state, fireworks are legal, and that makes me nervous. It’s not about the kids getting hurt; it’s my husband I’m worried about—he might blow off a finger.

Confession #25818148: It’s ridiculous to see people holding their phones up in front of their faces, recording fireworks instead of actually watching them. They’re the same folks who ruin dark rides at amusement parks with their bright screens. Did I mention how annoying that is?

Confession #25737811: Fireworks can just go away. I can’t stand them.

Confession #25812788: Fireworks are nonsensical, and they bring out the worst in people. You can show your love for your country without literally burning your money, Carl!

I can’t pretend to be patriotic this year, and while I dislike fireworks, my kids love them. So, my husband took them to the usual festivities while I enjoyed a peaceful meal at a local taco place, all by myself. Best. Fourth. Ever.

Confession #24884431: Am I a bad mom for refusing to go to the fireworks this year? I can’t stand the heat, the bug bites, and my husband turning into a jerk over traffic! The kids are begging me to go, but I’m not interested. #BitchofJuly

For many parents, the Fourth of July is more annoying than celebratory. Fireworks keep our babies up all night, and anything that disrupts sleep—especially pointless explosives—makes us want to unleash our frustration. The kids are scared, we’re scared. What’s the point?

As I look at my neighbors lighting off fireworks past midnight, I can’t help but feel frustrated. Some of us have to work the next day! It’s exhausting. We just want a little peace and quiet so we can enjoy the holiday our way—preferably without any meltdowns or potty accidents in the middle of a field filled with bugs.

Happy Independence Day, everyone! Now, shhhhhh.

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Summary

Fireworks may have once been a source of joy, but for many parents, they now represent chaos and sleepless nights. With countless complaints from moms about the late-night noise disrupting their children’s sleep and their pets’ peace, it’s clear that the fun has faded. Instead of celebrating, many parents find themselves overwhelmed by the stress and chaos that comes with Independence Day.

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Keyphrase: Fireworks and Parenting

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