I’m sure that you’ve heard about the recent
debacle regarding the family that was told to leave the airplane after
their crying three year old repeatedly refused to take her seat in
preparation for takeoff. For many parents, this sort of situation would
be their worst travel nightmare. Of course toddlers, like adults, are
going to have their good days, and their not-so-good days. Even the
most cheerful and well-mannered child could have an unpleasant outburst
when frightened, ill, or exhausted.
Foregoing an absolute worst-case situation, what types of things might
parents do in order to make toddler travel as smooth and pain-free as
possible? How may airport toddler tantrums be avoided?
1. Keep the same routine. One of the best ways to avoid toddler travel
disasters is to stick to your child’s schedule as much as possible. The
routine adds stability, familiarity, and comfort to your child’s life
in the midst of changing and perhaps frightening surroundings. Provide
snacks on time. Allow for naps. In fact, if you can do so, speak with
your travel agent about scheduling a flight during a time when your
child would normally be sleeping. Consider flying at off-peak times.
Traveling late at night may not only enable your child to sleep, but
the airport may be less crowded, less noisy, and much easier to
navigate.
2. Nix the potty training. If your child is just starting Potty
Training 101, now is actually not the best time for another lesson.
Being in diapers (or disposable pull-ups) for a handful of hours will
provide much less hassle for you and less stress for the toddler than
the undesirable and malodorous worst-case scenario.
3. Bring toys. And more toys. Pack several favorite books (and perhaps
a book about airplanes), small non-noisy toys, and comfort items (such
as a favorite blanket). Do you have a small portable DVD player? If
not, consider borrowing one from a friend. Bring a couple of movies
that are special to your child. You may also wish to bring a secret toy
along for a special reward.
4. Backpack benefits. If your child is old enough to wear a small
backpack, let your toddler place his or her favorite items inside it.
The pleasure of wearing it, unzipping it, and adding and removing items
from it, may provide entertainment and amusement when you need it most.
5. Choose window seats. Looking out the window can be a marvelously
interesting distraction. The view beyond the airplane window is also
fraught with educational opportunities and possibilities.
6. Fly non-stop. Do this if it is at all possible. This completely
eliminates the added hassle of connecting flights.
7. Set boundaries. Ahead of time, explain to your toddler what is
expected of him or her during the flight. Let your toddler understand
(to the best of your child’s comprehension) that the trip will involve
sitting and playing quietly.
8. Take charge. Always remember, you are the adult. It will ultimately
be your responsibility to handle things before a situation can
escalate. Because you understand what is best for your toddler, you can
correct your child in a loving, yet firm manner.
Make every effort to enjoy the time spent traveling with your toddler.
Definitely do not let an off-hand remark by a disgruntled fellow
passenger ruin your trip. Be as courteous as possible to those around
you, but remember the safety, health, and well-being of your child is
your highest priority.
Article Source:
http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-tips-articles/
strategies-to-prevent-toddler-tantrums-during-flights-102123.html About the Author
After receiving her doctorate in 2001, R. G. Kirk
has published numerous articles on a wide range of topics. She is
currently the marketing director for http://www.cruisecat.com
- a company that provides international travel opportunities, and
focuses on luxury pet vacations. |
