Traveling on a plane can be a wonderful and exciting adventure for your child. However, it can also be long and boring. Keeping your child occupied while on a flight is the key to a pleasant air travel experience. Here are some tips you can do to help keep your child happy while traveling on a plane.

1.)Let the child have the window seat: This is a fascinating view to most people at take off and landing(not just children). This will keep the child occupied for at least 10-15 minuets until the ground is no longer visible.

2.)Pack an activity carry on bag including these things:
-Coloring book and crayons
-Hand held video game(s)
-Personal music system with headphones (I-POD, MP3, CD player)
-Playing cards
-Book(s), or comic books
-Search-A-Word, AD-LIBS, or Puzzle books
-Magazine
-A favorite toy, stuffed animal, or blanket

3.)Bring snacks: Airplane food, in general, is not particularly tasty, and certainly not geared toward a child's preference. Snacks will make sure your child doesn't get hungry. These snacks can include juice boxes,water, cereal bars, crackers, fruit snacks, a baggy of baby carrots, raisins, pretzels, or chewing gum.(These are just some suggestions for snacks. Bring what you feel is best for your child).

4.)Meet the captain: Talk to the flight attendant to see if your child can meet the captain of the airplane. This could be a wonderful and inspiring experience for your child. (Make sure to keep this a surprise. If the captain can't or won't see the child, it is extremely disappointing for the both of you. So don't tell your child in advance.)

5.)Talk about what is going to happen during the flight: Make sure the child understands what is about to happen. At take off there will be a G-Force as the plain is lifted into the air, which will cause funny feelings. Tell the child that at some point his/her ears will pop and it might become difficult to hear. If the plane shakes a little tell the child it's just the wind(they might not understand what turbulence is). Allowing your child to understand what is going on, will help prevent them from panicking.

6.)Spend some quality time with your child: This is the perfect opportunity to talk to your child and get to know him/her better. You can also play word games and card games like GO-FISH, or CRAZY-8's. Take this time to review some basics like spelling words, ABC's, shapes, and colors. Reading to your child is a great quality pastime as well.

7.)Don't scare the child: If you are apprehensive about flying yourself, DON'T LET THE CHILD KNOW. If you show your fear, your child will be afraid too. They will see and feel your discomfort as much as you. Children are not as equipped to handle their emotions as adults. So getting through a flying ordeal is not just about you. Suck it up, be the ADULT, and set a good example for your child.

Flying can be a great experience for you and your child. Being prepared and entertaining your child, are great ways of making a more pleasant flight for you, your child, and all the other passengers around you. Happy flying!

Learn more about this author, Emily Daugherty.
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