Airport Snow Delays: How to Deal with Unhappy Kids

Fussy kids are normal happenings at airports throughout the year, no matter what the weather. However, if you and your kids are there waiting for a flight, and the airport is snowed in, the problem can be much more serious.

You could be in the airport waiting area for hours, along with restless, crying and unhappy kids. What can you do to help pass the time as pleasantly as possible? Some suggestions may help you make it through the ordeal.

When you made your flight plans, you knew it's winter, and have kept up on the latest weather reports. You believe you'll eventually get a flight, but are not sure how long you'll have to wait. So, before you leave home, pack items with you to be ready for being delayed in the waiting area.

First, make sure all items you bring with you will pass security, especially liquid containers. You may not have to bring food from home if airport stores and restaurants are open during your wait.

Items you should have with you in the waiting area area when you may be snowed in include:

1. Snacks and fresh fruit: If the kids have favorite homemade sandwiches, bring them with your from home. Snacks should be nutritious and filling, without excess sugar.

2. Clothing: If you have infants, you know you'll need a good supply of disposable diapers, soaps and powders. You'll need changes of clothes for all kids with you. No infant is more fussy than one who needs immediate changing, especially in the unfamiliar airport happenings.

3. Reading and watching: With all the new electronic gizmos, you don't need to lug along many printed books. It may be worthwhile to invest in an Ebook and some discs. Take a laptop computer and/or portable DVD player, along with CD and DVD discs. Be sure some of the discs have choices of games the kids can play alone or together. A good supply of programs can help quiet the fussiest kids.

4. Find a comfy, quiet spot: If you expect to be waiting at the airport for hours, try to camp out at a quiet, out-of-the way, dimly-lighted spot. Use outer clothing and adult coats as bedding, so the kids can have undisturbed naps.

5. In some airports, you can pay to spend waiting hours in a private compartment that includes a private bathroom. It may be worth the investment. Otherwise, try to make your resting area convenient to a bathroom.
Delayed and unhappy in uncomfortable surroundings will make any kid fussy. It can only get worse when they're snowed in at an airport, where the length of waiting time is long and uncertain.

The best you can do is try to make them comfortable, keep them as busy as possible and find places for them to get undisturbed rest. The next time it happens to you, good luck! You'll certainly need it!