Diwali, the festival of lights and of recent years, – of sound and smoke too! Thankfully, at least in our location, we have seen a trend towards a more sober Diwali, with greater sensitivity to the environment and the potential hazards of crackers. We can easily celebrate the most important festival among Hindus, and one that is celebrated by most

people cutting across lines of creed and religion, by understanding its spirit and adhering to it, rather than indulging in a loud, vulgar, and potentially dangerous unrestrained bursting of firecrackers. Whatever issues adults have, they are multiplied manifold in children.

Potential problems that children face during Diwali

Noise

Despite the clear cut limits set by the government on the amount of decibel levels that are permissible in residential areas, people observe these limits more in breach than in the following. The noise can be deafening (literally and figuratively) – so how do you protect your child from the noise?

The best way out is to use ear muffs or ear plugs – Earplugs are small inserts that fit into the outer ear canal. They must be snugly sealed so the entire circumference of the ear canal is blocked. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be custom made.

Earmuffs fit over the entire outer ear to form an air seal so the entire circumference of the ear canal is blocked, and they are held in place by an adjustable band.

These are available in various sizes for children of different ages. The problem is that infant ear muffs are not available in India and if you can ask somebody to get them from you on a trip abroad wonderful. The other option is to keep all windows and doors securely closed till the madness dies out.

Smoke

The smoke from crackers like fountains (अनार), जमीन चक्री, फुलझड़ी can cause a sensation of choking if inhaled in large amounts like when a child is too close to the cracker. Even otherwise, the toxic residues hang around in the air, are inhaled in progressively increasing concentration in our body and can cause a variety of respiratory problems like cough, cold and breathing difficulties. This is a terrible time for children with tendency to asthmatic attacks. As it is, asthmatic episodes are more common in winter. The air being cooler, traps the pollutants and keeps it at lower levels of the atmosphere, worsening asthmatic episodes.

If your child is a known asthmatic, do take prophylactic inhalers (do not self-medicate, talk to your doctor). If child develops any respiratory symptoms seek medical help immediately, before things get out of hand.

Light

The whole country is lit up much more brightly than normal, and well into the night. This along with the noise, upsets the routine of the child. Unlike adults, who can conserve their energy and who can draw on their reserves, children have already used up their energy through the day. With all the excitement, visits by guests and general increased levels of activity, children find it difficult to go to sleep. This in turn, makes them cranky, irritable and are very likely to throw tantrums. The next day, they are very likely to want to sleep late and again this upsets their daily rhythm.

While wanting one’s family to participate in all the festivities, it is important for us to understand, the special needs of the child and try to maintain their routine. Around their daily bedtime, do try and ensure, that you create an atmosphere that is conducive to sleep. Once the kids are asleep, you can go about your routine.

Food

Diwali is also the time, that a lot of rich food and sweets are exchanged. There are nuts and dried fruits aplenty and a time, where the people in the house are very busy attending to guests and the foodstuff is laid out for the guests out in the open.
You have to ensure that your children eat limited amounts of these foodstuffs as they are unhealthy if taken in even moderate amounts. Sugar is the number one cause of obesity and diabetes in children as we have always emphasized here and here. Once the child develops a sweet tooth, it is difficult to control his cravings.

Additionally, there is a risk of choking on candy, nuts and dry fruits. One has to ensure that these food items are not within the reach of your toddler and all children.

Take care that food may spoil and cause food poisoning! There is so much of food and other good stuff at home, that it cannot be consumed. It is likely to be stored for too long and this may cause food spoilage and the risk of food poisoning. Please discard all food that has not been stored properly (preferably give it away to the less fortunate, well before it spoils!).

Burns & Fire

• Ensure that your child wears comfortable clothing that is not too tight and certainly not flowing. It is preferable to wear light, cotton clothes when you are watching or bursting firecrackers yourself.
• Make sure that all firecrackers are lit / burst only outdoors. Not even hand sparklers at home.
• Make sure all oil-lamps are placed in a safe area and should not be close to loose clothes, paper and should not be spilt (hot oil can cause very significant burns!)
• If there are children playing with firecrackers in your area, make sure your windows are shut. Curtains and drapes catch fire when struck by rockets and this fire can rapidly spread.
• Make sure that you practice your fire drill routine before Diwali (you do have one, don’t you?!!).

General Precautions

• Do not leave young children unattended even for a short time!
• Always keep a first aid kit ready to deal with an emergency.
• Keep your doctor’s and local hospital’s number ready on hand(on your cell phone / prominently displayed on your home) just in case you need to contact them urgently.
• Try to celebrate festivals by understanding why the festivals are really celebrated. There is nothing better than good company and friendship and genuine devotion and faith to help celebrate festivals. Go one step further, and help the unfortunate among us to brighten up their lives during Diwali!

We wish you a safe and happy Diwali!