Taking Flight with Children

Travelling with children is not easy

As adults we understand the need to be in a small space for a long time

Children just dont get that !!!!!

They want mobility freedom

They like to wander, stretch and most of all they get bored

Travelling basics with children should always include

Activities and safe treats !!!

I always remember the first time I flew to Iceland, my youngest was 17 months old and he screamed relentlessly the entire three hour flight home, oh I forgot there were moments when he stopped screaming so he could kick the seat in front !!! It was a nightmare trip, I was harrassed and embarrassed and he was harrassed and angry. Nothing would distract him and he clutched his ear the whole time, so bless him he must have been suffering.

From that trip I never travelled in a plane without a supply of hard boiled sweets that we all suck on, this is a great way of coping with any pain from sensitive ears or in most cases in certainly helps with the ear popping.

When we flew to Australia, the youngest was then 3. I packed a separate bag for each child which included their favourite cuddly toy, an activity pack or crayons and colouring books and a jigsaw puzzle. What really helped was when we get to our seats on the plane not only did each seat have its own TV with films showing all the time, each seat also had its own inbuilt games console, what more could a parent need when they need to keep their children still and quiet LOL

Admittedly, on the long flight to Australia. I also confess that I did buy some over the counter syrup which was a herbal type sedative, I gave both boys a slight dose just as we got on the plane. It worked for us but I must stress I did get approval from my GP and would never recommend any medication of this kind without discussing with your doctor first.

Take some healthy snacks to eat on the plane, however check first as some countries have very strict rules on bringing food into their country. I know Australia is very strict on this.

Be watchful and alert with your children. I remember on the long flight to Australia we had an overnight stop in Kualar Lumpur. As we were leaving the plane a lovely couple complimented the children on their good behaviour and gave them a toy kangaroo as a present. Immediately I decided this may not be a good idea, they were nice people but I was not going to allow my children to walk through customs carrying something given to them by a stranger !!!!!! So without wanting to offend the couple on the plane, I discreetly left the toy on the seat and told the air hostess what I had done. She was very understanding and told me I had made a very wise decision. I couldn't risk it.

Another thing we did with the children was to buy a small copy of a world map and as we flew over each country we marked the flight on the map, the children found this really interesting to be able to see how much farther, the distance we had already flown and the amount of countries we were flying over.

Now my children are getting older, entertaining them on the flight is much less trouble. On this trip all they are taking is their Nintendo DS, a crossword/wordsearch puzzle book and the ever reliable hard boiled sweet !!!!