Flying With Kids
One thing I have learnt after so many years of travelling with my 7 and 5 year olds, is that if the kids aren't happy, then no-one is happy. Below is a list of things that I do to ensure a happy flight for everyone!
1.Get the kids to pack their own carry on bag and have it chock full of activity pads, pencils, books and anything that they like to play with.
2. Choose an airline that has a comprehensive kids program. Our recent trip to the USA on Qantas was fantastic, there was no way the kids could watch or do everything that was on offer. V Australia has a fabulous kids program too.
3. As much as I hate them, if your kids have a nintendo ds or similar game bring it along, but make sure you have sufficient batteries and that the sound is turned OFF!
4. Make friends with the crew, often they have kids packs and other resources that can keep kids occupied for a while. Sadly trips up to see the cockpit are out of the question, but they can show them round the galley etc.
5. Excercise! Make sure you get up and walk around, doing squats while waiting for the toilet, jogging on the spot.. whatever! Who cares what anyone thinks. It will help burn off energy as well as stave off the dreaded DVT. My daughter loved the spiral staircase on Qantas's A380 and we spent a bit of time going up and down that.
6. Encourage your kids to make friends with other youngsters on the flight. New playmates can fill in a heap of time and may have new games to play to boot.
7. Use the flight as a means to spend quality time with your kids. Help them with the puzzles, read to them, engage and play. It's not rasonable to expect youngsters to sit for hours without any interaction from you.
8. Get them to drink lots of water. Not only will it help with dehydration and help them get over jetlag, but it's much better than the sugar laden softdrinks on offer. Plus getting up to go to the loo is another excuse to excercise and maybe meet another new friend!
9. Pack some healthy snacks for them. Let the kids choose what snacks they would like and pop them in their carry on bags so they can nibble whenever they want. Beware though of too many sweets as the excess energy has to be worn off somehow.
10. Print out some games you can take and play onboard, such as I spy or alphabet or number games, or bring a pack of cards...so many games in one small box!
11. Don't overmedicate unless it's absolutely necessary. Many medications can have the opposite effect and keep your child awake rather then lulling them off to sleep. Not fun having an overactive, screaming child on a plane.
12. Most airlines offer a kids meal, check it out and book it if appropriate as it will make their flight more pleasant, and therefore everyone's flight better.
13. Try to sleep when they do. Resist the urge to watch another blockbuster film 'cause you know when you finally land that they will be absolutely buzzing with excitement so you had better be ready!