Things You'll Need:
- Books
- Paper and crayons
- Patience
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Step 1
Lisa's Airplane TravelBefore you travel, sit down with your child and tell her about the flight that she will be taking. I showed the cross section of the plane on the airline website to my daughter, and explained that she will be sitting on a seat just like the one in the picture. Alternatively, you could read a book about airplane travel to your child before you travel. Children are calmer and happier when they have a clear idea of how things will unfold on them.
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Step 2
Pack your child's backpack with toys and activity books based on his or her personality. What does your child like to do most? If it is drawing and coloring, you cannot expect your child to be strapped on to a seat and watch a 2 hour dvd just because you invested in a portable dvd player for your long flight.
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Step 3
Take walks along the aisles when the seat-belt restriction is not in place. Most international flights have a tuck box with snacks in their kitchens. You can take a walk to pick up a snack, or use the restroom during non-peak hours to get your child to brush their teeth, and wash their hands, and apply a little moisturiser. It passes some time, and makes them look better groomed.
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Step 4
See if there are other children near your seat, and strike up a conversation with them, only if they wish to do the same. In addition to passing some time, children are happier to talk to other children who are in the same boat (or should I say the same plane) as them.
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Step 5
Instead of thinking that you are stuck with your children on a super long flight, think of it as a time to bond with your children, and give them your undivided attention. Children often pick up on their parent's moods, and when they see their parents calm and happy, so are they.
Comments
DianeD said
on 12/26/2008 doing this soon, thx