I am often asked how to entertain kids in flight. This is a tricky question and sometimes can result in controversial answers.
First let me point out I could provide all of my tips (having traveled to 17 countries with my child through his infant, toddler, preschooler, and kindergarten ages) and not even one of those tips may work for you and your child. Each child is SO different and because our parenting styles are also different, what works for one family may be a nightmare for others.
For instance, my son does well when given a 10 minute warning before we change activities. It is too difficult for him to shift gears immediately and outright refusal and tears are usually the result.
So a while ago when he was at the science museum with a friend, I announced to the two boys that in 10 minutes we would have to go home because it was closing. No sooner had the words come out of my mouth and the other little boy jumped up and ran to the door, yelling to his mom they had to go. I was shocked as the mother apologetically looked over as she grabbed his coat and said, “He doesn’t like warnings. I don’t tell him it’s time to go until we have to leave because he wants to leave immediately!”
Wow. I thought all kids liked a heads up to have time to adjust. I had never seen a child change gears so quickly when it wasn’t his decision.
That was a great reminder to me that ALL kids are different.
It is even more important to recognize this when flying with kids. An unfamiliar environment, strangers all around, tension in the air… parents need to rely on the relationship they have with their kids to keep them calm and happy. Even within a family, children respond differently because of different personalities.
My son loves surprises. Our surprise bag was something only I was able to reach into when I decided it was time for another surprise. The surprises were often small and inexpensive or free, but something that would keep him entertained for at least 20 minutes. Because we flew every month when he was a toddler/preschooler, this required some creativity on my part!
I often stalled with the surprise (talking about it, guessing what it could be, having him close his eyes and not peek, etc.) when possible to use up more flight time.
I then would place the surprise from my bag into his CARES harness bag – the perfect size for little eyes to peek into! Once again- taking up more time to actually get the surprise! At times, I wrap the surprises with gift paper if airport security is not an issue. Unwrapping adds to the surprise and takes longer to get to the surprise.
Those surprise faces were scrunched with excitement!
Sometimes the best “toys” weren’t toys, but instead just something different. A piece of cardboard to write on, some tape to stick on the cardboard, or even some post-it notes to stick all over the tray table. A $1.50 box of bandaids was loads of fun- simply because I had never allowed him to play with them before.
Simple things. Different things. Often better than toys!
My infant nephew was entertained by things like his dad’s watch and a water bottle.
Safety is the most important thing when flying.
To be safe, infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and even adults need to be buckled in during take-off, landing, and turbulence. And since turbulence can be unexpected and severe enough to break necks, any passenger unbuckled even for a short trip to the bathroom takes a risk.
Having said that…
Click here to read 7 Tips for Entertaining Kids in Flight
http://www.jetwithkids.com/blog/flying-with-kids-7-tips-for-in-flight-entertainment
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