Would You Let a 2 Year Old Have a Sparkler?

[BadgerGirl84]

No, I wouldn't let my 2 year old (well, two next week) hold one. In the blink of an eye she could try to rub it on her arm or face, even if I was standing right there watching her like a hawk.

 

[Ceila]

I would, but I would hold my hand over his/her hand while they held it.

 

[DopeyDame]

Last night we lit a bunch of sparklers with my 3 and 6 year old (and the little poppers you throw on the ground that go "pop") We were very close to them and they had strict instructions and a great and safe time was had by all. Perhaps as a few other PP's have mentioned there are different kinds of sparklers. I really wouldn't call what we used to be "fireworks" and don't think they're much more dangerous than the long fire starters for campfires or fireplaces (which yes, I'd let my kids hold under the right circumstances)

 

[disneyfav4ever]

It was this kind of sparkler; http://espressoandcream.com/2013/01/resolutions-past-and-present.html/sparklers

I wasn't aware there were other kinds.

 

[Miskey]

Are you going to direct your friend to this thread to show her the error of her ways?

 

[bcla]

I probably wouldn't. However, the only sparklers I've ever bought were legal ones from a 4th of July stand. They were short and held in a six inch cardboard sleeve (shaped like a rifle). We lit them on the sidewalk, but relatives said that a local park was a favorite spot for setting them off, and the fire department had a truck right there.

 

[apirateslifeforme]

A couple of years ago, someone in our condo complex had a huge party in the courtyard. They had a kid in a playpen out there; not sure of how old, however. Handed him a sparkler, then turned around to continue partying and drinking. Not one person even looked at him once that thing was in his hand.

Of course, these idiots also set off a series of some other type of firework - they looked like 6 ft. tall sparklers - right next to the buildings

 

[littlejimmy]

They are not made to be held by anyone. You are supposed to put them into the ground and then light them.

The metal handle can often heat up very, very quickly. The fire itself can be a problem too - facial burns and eye injuries are common, in addition to severe burns on the face.

what? sparklers are made to be held, and run around with and write your name in the air, and hold up and pretend you are the statue of liberty. put in the ground? come on, how lame is that

 

[Kitty 34]

I probably wouldn't. However, the only sparklers I've ever bought were legal ones from a 4th of July stand. They were short and held in a six inch cardboard sleeve (shaped like a rifle). We lit them on the sidewalk, but relatives said that a local park was a favorite spot for setting them off, and the fire department had a truck right there.

I would be paranoid that the protective cardboard sleeve could catch fire!!

But then I'm sure my boys all had sparklers in their hands starting around age 4 and 5. I remember yelling at my sister's 3 year old who actually was trying to light a firecracker years ago and she actually got mad at me for yelling at her son!!!

 

[FLCyndi]

Yes and I probably have.LOL

 

[indimom]

It was this kind of sparkler; http://espressoandcream.com/2013/01/resolutions-past-and-present.html/sparklers

I wasn't aware there were other kinds.

That's the type we used with our kids. I'm not sure what other type people are talking about. These are the only "sparklers" I know of.

 

[luvsJack]

Yep. Did with all three of my kids and have with two of the grandchildren. We are always right there with all attention on the children. One adult within 6 inches of each child. Never had one burned yet.

 

[Squirlz]

what? sparklers are made to be held, and run around with and write your name in the air, and hold up and pretend you are the statue of liberty. put in the ground? come on, how lame is that

I'm sure that's just the CYA warning on the box.

 

[penn19]

I wouldn't but I would let a 2 year old have an Instagram account.

 

[powellrj]

I did when my kids were that age. I held my hand over theirs and helped!

 

[Meriweather]

It was this kind of sparkler; http://espressoandcream.com/2013/01/resolutions-past-and-present.html/sparklers

I wasn't aware there were other kinds.

there are these kind

 

[bcla]

I would be paranoid that the protective cardboard sleeve could catch fire!!

But then I'm sure my boys all had sparklers in their hands starting around age 4 and 5. I remember yelling at my sister's 3 year old who actually was trying to light a firecracker years ago and she actually got mad at me for yelling at her son!!!

It basically burned down to the end but didn't actually light the cardboard. I think there might have been some sort of fire retardant. The cardboard ended up charred from the heat but it didn't burn. Someone linked a photo showing one that looks kind of like a bottle rocket. I think those are designed so the stick doesn't burn.

The traditional ones are supposed to be nothing but the sparkler material or fused to a metal rod. You need to drop those before it burns the hand.

 

[mnrose]

It was this kind of sparkler; http://espressoandcream.com/2013/01/resolutions-past-and-present.html/sparklers

I wasn't aware there were other kinds.

That is NOTHING like the so-called safe and sane fireworks sold in my state.

 

[mel&me]

No, but would not criticize someone who did.

 

[disneyfav4ever]

Are you going to direct your friend to this thread to show her the error of her ways?

No, because he's not my child, and it's not my place to tell her what he should and should not do. And obviously the "error of her ways," is debatable, though personally I think the child in question was too young to have one.