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

Oh, joy! The 4th of July is here! I can hardly wait for my tipsy neighbors to inevitably misfire their fireworks and perhaps even call 911 after a mishap. I’m also looking forward to my two-year-old being up all night for three days in a row while our town lights up the sky, leaving me with an overtired little one who’s a total emotional wreck for the rest of the week. And let’s not forget the kids pleading for us to take them to a fireworks show, which means enduring hours of traffic, a single stinky porta-potty half a mile away, and ending up sweaty and covered in mosquito bites. Can’t wait!

If you also find yourself fed up (or completely over) fireworks and the culture surrounding them, you’re not alone. Many moms are expressing their exhaustion with late-night fireworks that disrupt sleep, terrify pets, and feel like literal money going up in smoke.

We’ve had enough, America.

Why Do People Insist on Setting Off Fireworks?

It’s ALWAYS FOGGY on the 4th. You can’t see anything; it’s just a loud waste of money. Seriously, why?

Confession #24886186: Fireworks may be legal in my state, but I worry more about my husband being reckless and injuring himself than the kids getting hurt.

Confession #25818148: I can’t stand people who hold their phones up filming fireworks instead of enjoying the show. They’re the same ones who ruin dark rides at amusement parks by lighting up the whole place.

Confession #25737811: Fireworks can just go away. I absolutely despise them.

Confession #25812788: Fireworks are pointless, and they bring out the worst in others. You can be patriotic without setting your yard on fire, Carl.

Honestly, I can’t pretend to love fireworks this year. My kids adore them, but I’d rather sit at a local taco bar with a good book and a hot meal all to myself. Best. 4th. Ever.

Confession #24884431: Am I a terrible person for wanting to skip the fireworks this year? I hate the heat, the bug bites, and my husband’s crankiness over traffic! But the kids want to go. No thanks! #BitchofJuly

Confession #15143833: Nothing could make me feel patriotic about living in this country. Fireworks just remind me of bombs and war. After 20 years of pointless conflict, it’s hard to celebrate.

Some of us are just done. Call me the #BitchofJuly. I honestly wouldn’t bother with fireworks or any celebration if it weren’t for the kids.

Confession #25787682: I despise fireworks. I can’t wait until the kids are older and I don’t have to drag them to these events every year.

Confession #24880696: I couldn’t care less about the 4th. I don’t want to take the kids to carnivals or shoot off fireworks. I guess I’ll have to pretend to enjoy it for their sake.

The Obligation of Mom Guilt

And then there are the moms who feel obligated to go, driven by mom guilt—even if they don’t want to.

Confession #25787604: I hope it rains all night so nobody lights fireworks. My baby keeps waking up, and it’s driving me crazy!

Confession #25280149: Fireworks woke my three-year-old up tonight. I will find the culprits.

Confession #25763477: After a long day, I’m so tired. My son is scared of loud noises but still wants to see fireworks. If it rains, I’ll be grateful to avoid the meltdown.

It’s no surprise that many moms dislike fireworks because they keep infants and toddlers awake. Anything that causes that kind of disturbance—especially dangerous explosives—really gets under our skin.

Confession #24880417: My four-year-old was terrified of the loud bangs and ended up crying uncontrollably, even having an accident. Who knew that could happen?

Confession #15147487: Fireworks trigger my anxiety. I moved to a city where they’re illegal, but my neighbors don’t seem to care.

Confession #24793839: I can’t stand the 4th of July. It’s just an excuse for people to drink too much and set off obnoxiously loud fireworks at all hours. The noise makes me feel like a monster is pounding on my door.

Confession #25762601: The kids are scared. We’re scared. What’s the point? Apparently, in my new city, they celebrate Christmas with fireworks at midnight.

Confession #15145204: To my neighbors who are setting off illegal fireworks: You’re waking my toddler, scaring my dog, and triggering my dad’s PTSD. I hope you get a small injury from them.

Confession #25838472: Legalizing fireworks was the worst decision. My neighbors have been blasting them every night for weeks. My dog is terrified, and my baby is awake all night.

Our Pets Are Terrified Too

And to top it all off, our pets are terrified too. Please, for the love of God, stop.

Confession #24969912: My drunk neighbor spent the weekend blowing off fireworks at 2 a.m. Some of us have to work!

Confession #24936423: My neighbors are still lighting fireworks, and it’s almost midnight. Some of us have work on Sunday!

Confession #24887960: I really tried not to be the neighborhood grump, but it’s past 11 p.m. Already!

Honestly, we’re just exhausted and want some peace. Not just an hour of sleep here and there, interrupted by what sounds like our roof caving in. We need actual, restful sleep because we’re parents and have responsibilities the next day. So please, for the love of all that’s holy, can we have some quiet?

Happy 4th of July, everyone! Now shhhhh.

Additional Resources

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In summary, many parents are feeling overwhelmed and frustrated with the explosive noises and chaos surrounding fireworks, especially during family celebrations. They’re tired of sleepless nights and the stress it brings to both kids and pets. As families navigate these challenges, they seek peace and quiet to enjoy their time together.