How To Keep Kids Happy During Plane Travel

Posted by admin

March 13, 2008

How To Keep Kids Happy During Plane Travel

Airplane travel with your kids can be a stressful experience.

� Getting through security, making your connecting flights, dealing with unexpected delays and worrying about the physical effects of travel on your kids can make you feel entirely overwhelmed.

� To reduce that stress, you want to keep your kids as happy as possible on the plane ride so that you can relax enough to deal with any problems that come up.

� You want them comfortable, entertained and feeling safe so that the plane ride goes as smoothly as possible despite the inherent difficulties of airplane travel with kids.

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The first thing that you want to remember when traveling via plane with your kids is that they’re going to be happier if you’re happy.

� You should try to have as relaxed a trip as possible, giving yourself plenty of time to check-in so that you aren’t feeling rushed and upset during the flight.

� Problems will come up during plane travel, so just expect to deal with them.

� Having a happy parent present goes a long way towards making your kids feel comfortable on the plane.

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Kids should also feel physically comfortable during the plane ride so that they are happy.

� This includes wearing appropriate clothing (light but with layers or blankets available in case they get cold), being fed (bring snacks on the plane for your kids to enjoy) and being well-rested.

� Try to schedule your plane travel with regard to your child’s sleeping patterns.� If you want your child to sleep on the flight, schedule it during his normal nap time, but take into consideration the fact that your child may be tired and cranky if he can’t sleep on the plane.

� You know your kids, so plan for what works for them.

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Once your child is physically comfortable, he or she will need to be entertained because boredom is the thing second to physical discomfort that will make your kids unhappy on the plane.

� There are three things that you should have at your ready to keep kids entertained on the plane.

� One is media - headphones, video players, game boys - whatever suits your child.

� The next is toys or books; bring something small that your child can enjoy for awhile, whether that’s an action figure or a pre-teen novel.

� Magazines, puzzle books, and stuffed animals are other items that fall into this category.

� Finally, bring your imagination.

� If the flight is taking a long time and your child is no longer entertained by media and toys, you can engage him or her in conversation and no-toys-necessary games to pass the time.

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Finally, you should remember that plane travel may frighten your child so you should make sure that he or she feels safe.

� Discuss the flight in advance and make it seem exciting and fun to allay any fears that your child may have about being on the plane.

� Bring an airplane-safe car seat for children under forty pounds and make sure to strap older children into their seat belts so that they feel secure.

� And remember to pay attention to your child’s concerns and feelings throughout the flight despite all of the other travel things that are trying to get your attention.

� If you have a happy, entertained, comfortable child on the plane with you, the rest going right is really just icing on the travel cake.