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Sparklers and small children: a parents’ guide
Age, length, clothing and the water bucket. Practical rules for a child’s first Deepavali sparklers.
For many children the first sparkler is the moment they remember from Deepavali. It is also the moment parents worry about most. A few simple rules make it safe and enjoyable.
Start with the right sparkler. For children of four to seven, choose the 10 cm sparkler or twinklers, which burn for 25 to 30 seconds with a soft spray. The 30 cm long sparkler is better for older children, because the extra length keeps hands far from the sparks. Children under four are happier watching from a chair or a parent’s lap.
Dress them for it. Cotton clothes, sleeves that do not hang loose and closed footwear. Silk and synthetic festive clothes catch sparks more easily, so keep the new silk pavadai for the pooja and change before the sparklers come out. Tie back long hair.
One sparkler per child, lit by an adult from a diya on a stand, never from another sparkler. Show them how to hold it at arm’s length, pointed away from faces, and to stand still rather than run. When it finishes, the wire stays very hot for a minute or more. Every wire goes straight into a bucket of water, which an adult keeps within reach. Finally, keep it short. Ten to fifteen minutes of sparklers is plenty for a small child. Stop while it is still fun, and save a few for the next evening.
