Traveling with Kids: Airplane & Airport Books
Do you remember a time when you entered into a situation not knowing what to expect? Maybe a job interview, a meeting or a first time attending a play group or activity? Part of what makes us nervous and “on edge” is the unknown – especially if it is a tense environment like a job interview. We all feel better if there has been a bit of preparation for what to expect. Perhaps your friend has a job at the same company and can give you a few tips of what to expect in an interview, or someone you already trust belongs to the play group and has prepped you for what you can expect. Small tips, visual aids, a “dry run” all give you confidence and prepare you for how to dress, interact, and respond to the environment.
If we realize that children don’t know they should take their shoes off at airport security or stand in line at the ticket counter or even send their clothes and belongings away on the checked luggage conveyor belt – it can be traumatic and scary. AND they probably will resist – with good reason!
Remember to involve even young children in the flight process. There are many wonderful books with colorful illustrations to help you do this. 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:
This past week we were driving in a snow storm while visiting in Minnesota. I distracted my son by pointing out a garbage truck in the early hours of the morning. He then casually told me that his (imaginary) friend from home (California) was driving that truck. I asked if he drove it all the way from CA. He laughed and said, “No, he flew his cargo plane here with the truck inside!”
I was amazed by this simply because we have never really made a big deal about cargo planes and as far as I know, this book is the only time he has ever seen a cargo plane. So reading books about planes can apply to all areas of life!
(Note the photo on the far right above is one of a cargo plane.)
Take time to give your child some visual aids for what life is like at the airport or on an airplane. It is a great time to point out that there ARE bathrooms on planes and that the luggage area underneath means that your suitcase will fly with you!
Respect that young children have a different perspective on things – and with a little bit of preparation, flying can turn from scary into familiar and fun. This will also be a great education tool and an opportunity to explain what is happening out those airport windows.
Of course the older books may not have all the security stuff in them, but sometimes can also be a great resource.
And I cannot end this post without mentioning another great tool for kids – the Shae By Air DVD Toolkit!
FOR kids – and an excellent introduction to the flight process as seen at a kid’s level. A DVD, packing list, and luggage tag – your child will want to behave “just like Shae”! You can purchase the DVD Toolkit here.
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