In Reply to: My kids are fear of flying posted by jadeliam on Sunday, 29. April 2007 at 12:16 Bali Time:
people may or may not think, your daughter feeling secure is so much more important. Really, who cares what people think - you're probably not going to see any of them again & you're not inconveniencing them in any way. Personally if I saw a child with a blanky, I'd just smile - it's cute & 11 is not too old to behave like the child she still is! Try to build the flight up as being something exciting - point out all the entertainment options available on the flight & if you can, let them shop for a few new small books (sudoku/puzzle books), toys (cheap ones from the supermarket party section can be fun), games (electronic or otherwise) and even a bit of junk food that they can pack in their own bag to carry on. Then they'll hopefully look forward to getting on board. Also, things like tattoo pens are a fun thing if they don't already use them at home, as they can draw on themselves & on you too & you can take it in turns to create 'art work' on eachother. I'd also let them take a pillow and/or blanket to get comfy & sleep whenever it suits them. Hope this helps & good luck! Cheers, Sue.