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Thursday, November 04, 2010

How to celebrate Bonfire night safely

I have been thinking about taking Jack to a firework display for Bonfire night, but in the back of my mind I have been thinking he may not enjoy all the loud bangs and the massive crowds of people.
I have thought of a few ways we could celebrate it at home together.
We could make lots of lovely chalk and crayon firework pictures or even a bonfire collage.

For the chalk and crayon firework pictures all you will need is:

  • Black paper
  • Coloured chalks or crayons
  • Glitter
  • Glue stick
Using the coloured chalks or crayons draw firework patterns onto the black paper. Add glitter for sparkle!

For the bonfire collage you will need:
  • Large sheet of gold card
  • Glue stick
  • Yellow, red and orange tissue paper
  • Brown paper or card
  • Twigs
  • Sticky tape
Cut a bonfire shape from the card. Cut flames from the tissue paper and glue them onto the card. Try not to glue them flat but bend them and only stick bits down, this adds texture and makes the flames look real. Using the brown paper cut some rectangular log shapes and glue these onto the bottom of the fire. Finish off by taping on some real twigs to bring the collage to life and add even more texture!

After looking on babyworld; I found some interesting advise if you do want to take your little one to a firework display. I thought I would share these with you.
  • Noise: A small baby or timid older child may not relish a noisy firework display, putting a thick, cosy hat on little heads is a must.
  • Cold: If you're planning to be outdoors for a while on a nippy autumn evening, you'll have to make sure your baby keeps warm - the best option is probably a forward facing babysling. Toddlers will need several layers, especially on little feet which get very cold in wellies.
  • Walking: You often need to park some distance from a public firework event, as these are always popular, so if you've got a toddler remember you  may need to take a buggy or - even better - a backpack carrier.
  • Fear of the dark: Some small children don't react well to being outside in the dark - remember it's an unusual experience for them and you may need to be ready to retreat home quickly if all goes pear-shaped.