Not knowing what to expect makes most people nervous. There is a layer of tension in new environments until we become familiar with what is expected and what we can expect in return.
Apply this to the flight process. Children don’t know they should take their shoes off at airport security or how long they will stand in line at the ticket counter or even why we send their clothes and belongings away on the checked luggage conveyor belt. All these things can be traumatic and scary AND they probably will resist – with good reason!
Remember to involve even young children in the flight process and help them understand what the day of travel involves. Role play airport security and sitting on an airplane with seat belts fastened in the security of the living room at home.
My first recommendation is to prepare kids (yes – even toddlers, ESPECIALLY toddlers) with the Shae By Air DVD Toolkit. It was created FOR young children and is a fantastic tool to help kids know what they can expect and what is expected of them.
There are also many wonderful airplane and airport books with colorful illustrations to help prepare kids for travel. These books are great to read ahead of time as well as to bring along in flight and point out real life scenes that are found in the books!
Here are a few that I like to use when preparing kids for air travel:
Preparing kids ahead of time for the airport and airplane environment is a great learning experience.
Remember to point out there ARE bathrooms on planes and the luggage area underneath means suitcases will fly along even though we can’t see them!
Young children have a different perspective on things – and with a little bit of preparation, flying can turn from scary and intimidating into fascinating and fun.
Often we focus on the destination alone, failing to realize what a fascinating experience the flight process can be for young travelers.
Reality is the flight is our first and last impression of the trip. Prepare to make it great!
Allowing extra time in the travel day to explore the unique, constant changing “museums” we call airports – filled with people from all over the world jetting off to destinations worldwide. The key is to include the journey in your vacation preparations and view it as a great learning opportunity. Once we get past the hassles of travel, we can appreciate the wonderful part of the journey. Share this with young travelers -and the flight won’t be so intimidating for parents or kids!
Remember – extra time and preparation are essential on so many levels. Give kids (and parents) a chance to enjoy the process.
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