by Jane.PH

Created on: October 07, 2008   Last Updated: October 09, 2008

The last thing that any parent or guardian ever wanted is to send off their younger kids to take a flight by themselves. No matter how exciting the experience might be for your little one, you still can't shake off that feeling of uneasiness and reluctance knowing that your son or daughter is a thousand miles off the ground and you are not there to keep them safe. There are horrible thoughts of aircraft mishaps, getting lost in the airport, taking the wrong flight, etc. etc.

Although it can't be avoided, there are pointers that you can keep in mind when the need arises.

TIPS FOR THE PARENTS

* KEEP YOUR COOL. There is nothing worse than rubbing your anxiety and nervousness on a child. Instead of discussing possible aircraft disaster, why not tell your child of the exciting things that he can see and experience during the travel. Speak of how close he will be to touching the clouds, how he could peak through the windows and have a bigger and bigger view of the land below him. Feel excited for your child even if deep inside you have already called all the saints and angels to watch over him during the flight.

* ASK FOR ASSISTANCE. It is always a standard operating procedure during flights that unaccompanied minors will be personally handled by flight attendants the minute they are checked in. All unaccompanied minors are gathered in a group and are usually seated together. Never leave your child until you are certain he will be assisted. There is usually a slip of paper that you have to fill up as the guardian or parent of the unaccompanied minor. Basic information that you have to fill in are your child's details, your contact numbers, and the name and contact number of the person who will be picking your child up from the airport of destination. Make sure that all these information are made available to the flight staff.

* PACK YOUR CHILD WITH EMERGENCY INFORMATION. Be sure to leave all your contact information to your child. Provide him with a piece of paper or a small notebook with a list of your contact number as well as that of another person that he can reach in case you are not available. Also provide him with a phone card or a couple of change to use for the public phone.

Aside from contact numbers, also keep a note with your child of what he is allergic to. It is good to relay this information to the flight crew so they could avoid giving your child something that they are not used to taking.

It would also be wise to give them a photo of the person who is supposed

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>