Easy Travel

Best Flying Tips for Kids

We have all heard the screaming child a few rows back when we are flying. Sometimes its unavoidable but for those parents like me who don’t want to be in that situation here are few tricks to have up your sleeve when voyaging into the air with your little bundle of joy.

Backpacks

Make it their own suitcase, their own carry-on. Let them pick out a few of their favorite toys, books, coloring activities, age appropriate travel games, cards, and of course gum. If you are extra prepared make a trip to the store and buy a couple of small gifts, wrap them and hide them in their bag for an extra surprise.

Snacks

Nothings makes a person cranky more then being hungry. Most airlines have trimmed down on the amount of food they serve on a flight. Make sure you little one isn’t hungry during the flight or you will regret it. Also if they are eating, they probabily aren’t creaming. Pack your child’s favorite snacks, not too many sweets or you’ll have a whole new set of issues. Grapes are a great snack, not only portable, yummy, and easy to clean up but they will keep you hydrated.

Games

Even the littlest member of your family will have fun playing Go-Fish or an abbreviated form of Memory. Most games come in a travel form, try and invest in a few of these or you may spent the flight chasing dice and pieces down the airplane aisle.

Books

Children love to do what adults are doing. Lead by example and pull out a favorite book for both of you. Reading is entertaining and quiet. Start a read along for younger children, maybe invite neighboring kids in on the fun.

DVD’s

Airlines offer in flight movies but most will not entertain you, let alone your child. See if they have portable in-flight DVD rentals and make sure to bring along their favorite movie. Spending twenty dollars is diffentily worth it, trust me. Also check and see if you can use your laptop computer to play a movie while in the air.

Lights!

Light has a big effect on our emotional state. Make sure to keep overhead lights dim for a calm effect. Also traveling across time zones can be very confusing for anyone’s internal clock. When you reach your destination use light to try and adjust to a new bedtime by darkening the room at bedtime and turning on all the light when rising.

Camera!

Make sure to pack your child’s camera. If they don’t have one spend a few dollars on a disposable one. Children of all ages get a kick out of taking picture and it will offer a unique documentation of your trip.

Action!

Do not forget your tickets. Stay Calm. Prepare the day before so the day of the trip is smooth. Children pick up on our state of mind and mimic our actions. If you want a smooth trip from your child, model the calm behavior that day.