I want my kids to be on their best behavior when traveling, and not interrupt the other travelers' in-flight nap, entertainment, work or quiet-time. But the reality is that kids cry, get anxious, and have a short-attention spam, and guess what? So do adults.
Children can be challenging at sea level; introduce air-sickness, ear pressure, boredom, and lack of sleep miles above the ground and it is a recipe for some unfortunate, yet explainable behavior. Here are some tips to curing boredom at 35,000-feet:
1. I like to bring one thing that is new for each child. It can be a book, markers, game, or even food. The point is to have something that will be exciting and divert attention from the fact that they are bored.
2. If seatback TVs are not available, think about bringing a portable DVD player. Get an earphone splitter (found at your local electronics store for under $5) if you have more than one child so they both watch the movie.
3. If the seatbelt sign is off, get up and walk around. It¹s a good idea to let them stretch their legs every now and then.
4. Space is limited on an airplane, so use travel-sized toys, games, puzzles, cards and other items to bide time.
5. Invent new games. One of my older kids' favorite games is something we call "Questions." The rules are simple: they get to ask me questions about anything and I have to answer every question. We have played this for hours. I get to ask them each one question for every five they ask me. Lots of
laughs and you really get to know your kids.
Have any other suggestions for biding the time in-flight? Let me know!
© Cheapflights Ltd Carl Schwartz
