Suffering from a fear of flying is a condition that affects more than just children. Many adults across the globe are apprehensive every time they board an airplane, even if they realize that their fear is somewhat irrational. If you're planning a family trip and your child is nervous about flying, devote adequate time to listening to his concerns and talking through the situation with him before you go to the airport.

Listen

When children have fears about anything, listening is the first thing you should do as a parent. It might be tempting to immediately begin assuring your child, but if he's able to explain his fear aloud, he might even convince himself that his fear is unnecessary or irrational. As you listen, ask gentle questions, such as "What made you afraid to fly?" and "Did someone tell you something scary about flying?"

Relate

If you have suffered from even a minor fear of flying, share this with your child and tell her you can relate to her fear. Your child might cheer up knowing that she's not alone and believe that like you, she'll be able to overcome her fear of flying. If a certain moment or realization helped you overcome your fear, explain this realization to your child.

Share Information

If your child is old enough to comprehend statistics, share any of the statistics related to air travel that show it's a safe method of transportation. The U.S. Department of Transportation says that traveling by airplane is 29 times safer than traveling by car. Your child probably doesn't have a fear of riding in a car, so explain that flying is far safer than being on the road. Explain that most airplane crashes are in developing countries and that crashes in North America are rare. If the child has a specific question, such as what happens if the plane hits a bird, research the answer and explain it clearly.

Make Flying Fun

Your child might not lose his fear of flying overnight or after a few discussions, but if you approach the topic in a fun manner, he might eventually see it that way, too. Take books and games onto the flight to keep your child occupied, and consider buying him a gift to reward his bravery once you reach your destination. If you have a slight fear of flying, avoid showing it, as it's easy for a child to pick up on a parent's nervousness.

About the Author

Toronto-based journalist William McCoy has been writing since 1997, specializing in topics such as sports, nutrition and health. He serves as the Studio's sports and recreation section expert. McCoy is a journalism graduate of Ryerson University.

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