In Reply to: children and planes posted by balibrigi on Saturday, 12. January 2008 at 22:17 Bali Time:
great fun! Try to build the flight up as being something exciting - point out all the entertainment options available on the flight (if any!) & if you can, let them shop for a few new small books (sudoku/puzzle books - whatever's age appropriate), 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 even for very little ones, 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.If you can, then maybe get something little for them that they won't discover in their bag until you're on the plane. I'd also let them take a pillow and/or blanket to get comfy & sleep whenever it suits them. I think it also helps if parents have the right mindset before boarding the plane - look at it as time with your kids & plan to play with them & keep them amused for the whole flight. Don't convince yourself that you'll be reading or sleeping whilst they amuse themselves - then if you do get a few minutes of peace & quiet whilst they sleep it'll be a lovely, unexpected surprise! Hope this helps! Cheers, Sue.