Parents encounter various difficult tasks when it comes to raising children. Traveling with kids is perhaps the most challenging thing that most parents go through. If you are taking a long flight, it becomes even harder. Planes and kids don’t mix well. When kids are confined to one place, controlling them becomes very difficult.
Although you may want to avoid ever flying with your kids, in some instances, it becomes unavoidable. You need to be fully prepared when the time to take a long flight with your kid comes. This article will provide killer tips that will make your flight a little less stressful.
- Prepare Yourself Mentally
Before your flight, you need adequate mental preparation for what is to come. It is essential to accept that you may be unable to control your kids’ behavior during the flight. That kind of mental preparation will ensure that you are not surprised by your children’s behavior. However, it would help if you also tried not to think far ahead. Instead, you should aim at completing the challenges that are presented one at a time.
- Consider Drugging
It is a bone of contention among parents. For some parents, this is something that you should not do to control your kids’ behavior. In some instances, you may find yourself out of options. It is important to bear in mind that antihistamine, which has drowsiness as a side effect, may result in making your kid hyperactive. If you feel that this is the only option you have, ensure you make a wise choice.
- Games
Games can help keep the kids occupied. With nothing but time on their hands, you should ensure that your kids are busy. Video games for your little ones will ensure that you have a smoother time during the flight. It would help if you considered limiting their access to video games for days before the flight. They will be craving playtime by the time you are on the plane, and this can ensure that their attention remains on the mobile devices.
It is important to note that not all games are suitable. I spy is a fun game that can help entertain your kid. However, since kids lack discretion, they may end up insulting your neighbor. Some airports will also have entertainment joints for kids to pass time before boarding the plane.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, for instance, offers various activities that can keep your kids entertained before their flight. Ensure that you take care of all sections of your travel. Selecting airport parking is essential since you will drive the family car to the airport. There are numerous options available where you can pay for daily rates or the SeaTac long term parking.
However, it is ill-advised to choose airport parking without careful consideration since some parking companies do not have shuttle runs in the parking garage. You should make sure that you select parking that offers security to your vehicle. At parkos.com, you can easily create a reservation and park at SeaTac.
All the parking lots available are carefully inspected. This service also allows you to make cancellations easily as long as it is at least 24 hours before departure. If you need to park near Seattle Washington then you can consider Parkos at SeaTac.
- Manage Ear Popping
Ear popping occurs as a result of the change of air pressure. During landing or take-off, the ears of your little one will most likely pop. Ear popping causes discomfort, and the last thing you want to deal with is uncomfortable children. Swallowing can help pop your kid’s ears. You can give your toddlers sucky cups with small teat holes. Your older kids can suck on hard candy to help with ear-popping.
- Junk Food
Taking a long flight with kids is much like being held, hostage. You can control your kids’ behavior by negotiating with them. You can reward good behavior with sugary treats. Although you may want to limit your children’s sugar intake, you should remember you are on holiday. Let your kids have a little fun. However, you should ensure that you don’t give them a sugar high snack.
- Choose a Flight That Matches Bedtime
With the right flight, you can ensure that your kid will be asleep for most hours of the flight. You will get at least eight hours where you don’t have to deal with their drama. You should also avoid flights during peak times. Avoiding such flights will ensure you get a spare seat where your kids can lay down. Consider following your regular bedtime routine. Change their outfit to nightwear and read them their favorite bedtime story. Following your routine will ensure that they are knocked out for most of the flight.
- Keep your Buggy
You can easily lose track of your young ones at the airport. You should avoid temptation by checking your buggy earlier than you need to. In case of any delays, your kids can nap in the buggy. You will also ensure that your kids are within your site at all times as you await your flight.
- A Bassinet Will Come in Handy
If your kids are below two years, they travel for free. However, this doesn’t mean they get a seat. Your infant will be strapped to your lap. When traveling with an infant, you should try to get bulkhead seats. With such positions, you will have somewhere to clip your bassinet. You will not only get more legroom, but you will also avoid instances of your kid knocking the front seats.
- Purchase Goodwill
Your kids will most likely be a nightmare to your neighbors. It may not be effortless for your neighbors to be more accommodating of their behavior. However, bribing them can help them be more accepting. It would help if you offered incentives such as gifts to fellow passengers so that they are more accepting to your kid’s behavior.
- Pillow and a Belt
When you run out of alternatives, this is the last resort. You can strap a pillow to your head with a belt and ignore that you had your kids with you. If you can’t see or hear them, you can pretend that they don’t exist.
Bottom Line
As we have seen, you can’t be prepared enough when it comes to traveling with kids. Air travel involves various things, and security screening is essential. If your kids are old enough, you should educate them on what security screening means. You will make the screening less hectic if they are informed about it. Traveling with your kids is less hectic with some airlines.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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