Learning to Fly with Children in a Less Stressful Environment

It is time once again, the family vacation has arrived. The planning can almost overcome you and the thought of your crazy kids sitting still on a plane is incredibly overwhelming. I have felt that apprehension, and I feel the need to share some tips on how to help. Flying with children can be an exciting and fun experience if you add a little bit of planning into it.

First, if you have multiple children always make an effort to not be outnumbered. Children can sense the fear of a parent that may not feel in control. One on one is always the easiest for confidence. Find a friend or relative that can travel with you, or buddy up with another family that has multiple parents and only one child. Asking for help does not mean you cannot control your children by yourself; it is just a way to make the experience more comfortable.

Another tip I have is pack as lightly as possible. Do you really need the crib, large stroller, and every stuffed animal they have in their room? I am constantly seeing stressed out mothers dragging tons and tons of stuff around the airport. It is an unnecessary burden you do not need. Obviously, you need things with children. Babies especially, but try condensing. Bring an umbrella stroller instead of the huge bulky one that is bound to get lost or broken by the airline anyway. If you travel a lot I would highly suggest purchasing one of the car seat/ stroller devices. They are so convenient for children in the car seat stage.

Find a store and buy diapers at your destination. Most hotels have cribs. If you are traveling to visit family take a look into borrowing a crib, or renting one. Instead of bringing every favorite toy let the child pick one extra special toy that they want, just one. Try to make sure that you are only packing what you need not what you think you need. If you find out you need it when you get there, I can guarantee that wherever you are going there are other moms that shop at stores and buy things you need too. Bottom line it will be there. Let go of the fear you are missing something.

Bringing a backpack is the next lifesaver. In this backpack place whatever your children will need for one day and one night. Put snacks and an empty water bottle (you can fill it up at the water fountain instead of paying inflated prices for a bottle of water) in it. I would also bring a book that they all enjoy. You never know if your luggage won't make it or your plane is going to be delayed for hours.

The security of knowing you are ready for mishaps in your schedule and travel expectations will take a lot of stress off of your shoulders. Also, in this backpack place your children's special toys. Do not let a child bring a backpack. As much as they beg, just say no. You are the one who will end up carrying it. Trust me. Airports seem to be made for track stars, not families. You could end up walking miles depending on where your gate is. The less stuff the better.

Request to sit in the rear of the plane with your children on the inside. You normally end up closer to the restroom, just in case you need to get there quick. And speaking of the restroom, make sure to take them before you board. Between take off and getting to cruising altitude it could be an easy 30 minutes to an hour before you get a chance to get up and use the restroom. That can be disastrous for children with a full bladder. Also make sure that you take them to the restroom when they give you last call before landing.

Even if they say they do not have to go the force of the plane going down can quickly change that. Be prepared for the plane to be stuck on the tarmac waiting for a gate to open up. I have personally been stuck on a plane for 45 minutes waiting for a gate to open up. That little seat belt sign just doesn't come off when you need it to. Once again, this can be disastrous for children that need to pee.

Keep your kids entertained. Talk to them. Read them the in-flight magazine. Purchase the TV service that plays cartoons. Eat your snacks. Figure out how long the plane ride is going to be and preplan the time on the plane. For example, your plane ride is going to be one hour from take off to landing. Take that into account and plan on reading a story for the first half hour and snacking for the last half hour. Time management is the key to your kids not being bored and whiny by the end of the flight.

I can't promise that your trip will be smooth. Traveling with kids always has an unknown factor, but being prepared and ready for common mishaps will take a majority of the stress away. Just remember to have fun and make the best out of every situation.