Frequent flying, whether for work or vacation can be stressful for an adult especially when there are many connections. This is often amplified when children are involved, regardless of their age. It’s the little things aboard an aircraft; however that make the difference between a pleasant or stressful experience.
The key thing to keep in mind is to look at this as an adventure. It’s all in your frame of mind. If you communicate this to your kids as well, they’ll see it the same way!
Good entertainment keeps the tantrums at bay
It’s important to find ways to keep children distracted especially when travelling on a long-haul flight. Make sure you book a flight that is child friendly. For those moments when they start to get jittery, your kids can watch the latest films, cartoons, and more on their own personal seatback TV.
It’s time to eat!
Do not bring one bag of crisps, one bottle of juice, etc. when travelling with more than one child as you do not want to have to deal with them fighting over who gets more. Each child should have a little closeable bag (preferably one that really seals) with his or her name on it, and identical snacks, so everyone knows exactly what is theirs.
Avoid foods that are sticky, messy or crumbly. Resist the temptation to keep the kids going on a long journey by feeding them, sweets. Pack a mixture of savoury snacks like cheese cubes, breadsticks, fruit and mandazis – anything to avoid arriving in a strange city with children in the middle of a sugar rush.
Take care of the bear necessities
Here’s a clever solution for that desperate moment when nothing seems to work to make it all better: Stock up on toys and include a combination of cuddly toys, action figures or whatever other toys your little one enjoys.
Take note of your child’s bio-rhythms
As much as possible, choose daytime flights so that you can get some rest for your kids in the midst of all the excitement. . Alternatively, you may find that for younger children, late night flights work best, as they will already be asleep.
Keep your kids comfy
Make sure your kids are attired comfortably. Take an extra layer of clothing that can double up as a pillow so they can blissfully drift away, dreaming of dinosaurs or something.
Keep them busy
A bored child will not hesitate to let you know about their predicament. Consider carrying notebooks and pens, or your child’s favourite book. In case you forget to pack these,
When deciding on the airline to travel with, consider the little and big things they offer to make the journey much more bearable for you and your kids.
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