Reducing the stress of air travel with children can be done, if a parent knows certain techniques and methods to keep the kids happy while onboard a plane.

Children need to be kept busy to avoid the tantrums and fits that occur when a child has been cooped up too long; the following article will address the things one can do to keep the kids in check and your stress levels down during domestic and international air travel.

Air travel with the kids can be fun or stressful, depending on how you handle it. Several tips exist for the travel-weary parent.

One thing to keep in mind is that kids need something to do; one great idea is to bring along coloring books or sticker books. Kids love coloring, but this may only last so long. Bringing some books to read for older children is also a good idea. Portable DVD players are a great way to keep kids busy as well. Your vacation will start off easily if you bring something for the kids to do while flying.

Air travel overseas can involve very long flights; since kids easily get aggravated while traveling, it will help to have a variety of activities. In addition to books, coloring books, and movies, bringing portable video games is another idea that will keep kids occupied.

Another great idea is comic books or activity books that have puzzles and word games. Even simple games such as a pack of cards can keep kids amused for a few hours. Remember, the key to long travel is having a variety of portable activity.

Children that are not used to flying may experience discomfort during the take-off and especially on the descent to land. The pressure changes affect the inner ear, which can be an odd experience. It can also be aggravating, if you don’t know how to pop your ears.

The best advice for babies is to give them a bottle during take-off and landing; if you breast-feed, then give them a breast. Older children can be appeased with earplugs or cotton balls placed in their ears prior to take-off and landing. These tips will keep the kids from being upset by the odd (or even painful) feeling that occurs in the ear as a result of those pressure changes.

During long-distance air travel, bringing snacks is a good idea. Getting these things while on the flight may be difficult, so plan ahead. Kids don’t always want to eat when food is served, so bringing snacks is another good way to keep the children from becoming agitated while flying.

Taking a vacation involving air travel can be a bad experience if you don’t make plans for your children’s in-flight comfort. Children need to be fed, to feel secure, be occupied and amused, and have their ears prepared for pressure changes during flights. Since flights can be long, no one wants to be onboard with a cranky child; think of yourself and the other passengers! Enjoy your flight by keeping your kids happy!

Rich Greenwood

http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/flying-with-children-755063.html

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