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Airports and Children: Playing the Waiting Game

As anyone who has traveled with children knows, you must plan ahead and be prepared for the worst case scenario. Always take more than you think you might need just in case. Here is this veteran mom's best advice:

First, always take food, regardless how long you anticipate the wait. Kids are at their absolute worst when they are hungry and you will want to avoid that at all costs. Because you can't always rely on airport food to be desirable, pack a meal of all your kids favorite, healthy foods. A good variety will fill them up, satisfy them and let them put their minds on other things.

Second, pack a backpack for each child. If you are able to keep it relatively light, they will be able to wear it as well. Inside you can store a variety of toys that can entertain for hours:
*Puppets are fun as your children can climb behind the chairs in the waiting area and put on a show for each other.
*I have watched in awe as my children were entertained for 45 minutes or more by a small bouncy ball. We found a quiet corner in the gate area and took turns throwing the little ball against the wall and chasing it around as it richoted among us.
* Paper, crayons and markers are always a good bet. Kids can color, draw, play tic-tac-toe, make origami shapes, make cootie-catchers or just doodle.
*Silly putty is cheap, small and easy to carry. Pack the Sunday Comics in as well and show your kids how to press the silly putty on the comic characters to transfer them and then stretch them out into wacky shapes.
*A small head-set with a book on tape can also provide some quiet entertainment. Pack your child's favorite tape and also bring along something new. Just borrow them from the library to save a few sheckels.
*If your child still naps, bring along a small blanket for cuddling or snuggling. It may be that a short nap is all your child needs to get through the airport wait.
*Older children will love the challenge of a book of brain-teasers or cross-word puzzles. Parents and kids can enjoy this together.
*Nothing can replace the escalator for hours of entertainment. What kid wouldn't love permission to ride up and down the moving stairs (with adult supervision, of course). Also fun is the elevator. Let your kids take turns pushing the buttons.
*If you have a digital camera or a video camera, take it along in your carry-on bag. Your child might enjoy taking pictures of interesting sites at the airport and receive instant gratification by getting to view the pictures or watch the video right while you wait. Don't forget to charge it before you head out on your trip.

And last:
*A portable DVD player is a valuable investment. Although I usually insist that we wait until inside the airplane, there have been times when the kids were allowed to watch the movie while we waited for a delayed flight. Since I am not a huge fan of "passive entertainment", I always save it for last, knowing that there are many other ways to use that time that are much more creative and engaging.

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