Flying with kids can be an adventure, but it can also be stressful. As parents, we want to give our children as many experiences as we can, but that’s not always the easiest thing to do when you’re apprehensive about the actual travel portion of the holiday you’ve planned. Long journeys can test your patience, but it can also test your children. As an adult, you understand how to regulate your emotions when things are delayed or when you’re in an aeroplane for a long time. But when boredom and restlessness set in for a child, it can become difficult.Â
With the right preparation and tools, you can help to keep your children calm and content in the air. Some parents find that sleep gummies made for children and approved by a healthcare provider can help during overnight flights. They can also help you if your children are sleeping and you don’t have any way to relax. But there are many other simple strategies that can make a big difference. Here are some tips that may help you:
1: Pack a range of entertainment
The secret to keeping children calm is keeping them busy and entertained. Don’t rely on just one toy or one movie, but pack a small backpack with colouring books, crayons, sticker books and more. Headphones made for kids are a must for screen time. And don’t forget to download everything ahead of time in case the Wi-Fi is spotty. Rotate activities every hour or so to keep things fresh and interesting.
2: Bring a lot of snacks
Hunger can turn even the calmest child into a ball of frustration, and plain food may not appeal to them. Mealtimes on a long distnce flight may not come at the times when your children are hungry. Sometimes the food is delayed, but if you bring plenty of snacks like fruit slices, crackers, and string cheese, you’ll be able to offer snacks at regular intervals to keep them happy and distracted. A few treats here and there can also be a useful reward for good behaviour or co-operation. I often allwed mine to choose something special in the departure lounge to eat on the plane, and we also always buy boiled sweets for them to suck during takeoff and landing to help with ear balance.
3: Try to stick to their sleep schedule
Flights that interfere with nap time or bedtime can make for cranky travellers, so try to stick to their schedule as closely as you can. Use familiar clues like bedtime stories, favourite blankets or quiet music and headphones to help them to settle down.
4: Let them move when they can
Sitting still for hours is hard for young kids. During safe moments in the flight, take short walks up and down the aisle. Let them stretch their legs, do a few wiggles and let them release that built up energy. Even a quick walk to the bathroom and back can help to break up the time. When you’re stuck in your seat, simple seated stretches or games like I Spy can help to burn some mental energy.
5: Keep a positive attitude yourself
Kids take their emotional cues from their parents, so if you’re stressed or anxious, they will be stressed or anxious. Stay calm and use a soft voice. Offer them lots of praise when they behave well and be realistic because not everything will go perfectly well.
Do you have any more tips for travelling with young children. I’m sure some mums on here would love to hear then, so please leave a comment.
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