Are 4th of July events worth going to?
With the Fourth of July approaching, many parents are busy planning and organizing, but the question is: Is it worth the hassle? I have attended all forms of 4th of July events; concerts, block parties, and beach picnics. Whether you have small children, neurodivergent, or medically complex children always think about this first.
Being in a crowded place poses a high risk of infection for children with a weakened immune system. Additionally, fireworks, crowded places, and other sensory challenges can be overwhelming for children with sensory processing issues. If your child tends to elope, that itself is a major concern. Furthermore, heat sensitivity can make outdoor events difficult for medically complex children. Considering all these factors, parents should ask themselves if attending these events is truly worth the risk. Sometimes, the benefits don’t outweigh the potential downsides. The planning logistics can be so mentally and physically exhausting that the fun gets lost. From packing medical supplies, and adaptive equipment to arriving at the event, struggling with parking, and accessibility issues for children with disabilities. Pools are overcrowded, there is a line to enter public restrooms, and the concerts can be very loud also, despite having noise cancellation headphones and having made all the accommodations.
If you decide it’s not worth it, there are alternatives. You can shorten the event, attend only one out of multiple events, or tag team with your spouse so one of you can stay with the child. Collaborate with other family members to find the best solution for your other children, if they would still like to attend the events. You can also opt for smaller public celebrations, that are less crowded. Having a small intimate BBQ in your backyard is an option also.
In my experience, we often prepare ourselves for these events, but the bigger issue is whether attending the event is worth it. The physical and mental exhaustion, sensory overload, and risk of infection can make staying home a better option for some families and that’s perfectly OK. Always do a benefit analysis before deciding on social events, especially for the Fourth of July. It’s crowded, loud, hot, and unpredictable, and sometimes the accommodations required are just too much for both parent and child.
In conclusion, don’t be afraid to say NO to events. It’s okay to prioritize your child’s health and well-being. Remember, your child’s health comes first, and that’s how it should be. In all honestly, it's not worth attending the event sometimes, and let’s normalize this concept. For several years I have taken a more laid-back approach to celebrating the Fourth of July, with the summer season getting more warmer and crowded and many fireworks taking place at once, creating a recipe for disaster for my family.
