‘Tis a long flight home (how to manage the travelling toddler)
Twenty six hours to be exact, including layovers and no delays.
The last time I went home (in 2000), I still recall hearing kids cry by the third leg of flight. Children were going up and down the aisles all the time, and adults were in no better plight. I pitied the parents who had to soothe their children to no end. Now I am in the same boat.
Yup, my hubby and I are going home with a two-year old… ack! I can only imagine how painful it’s going to be. So I asked other bloggers/parents how they do it, I mean, what does one do to get kids to endure the flight without the parents (that’s me) losing their grip.
So for MY JOURNEY HOME, I listed ideas and kids’ activities for those travelling with kids on long flights, and prepping myself that I can do this. (yikes!)
1. Benadryl.
Oh yeah, drug ‘em to sleep. Unfortunately, a study proved that it doesn’t work. Next.
2. Play a DVD (or many DVDs). Mine’s not too crazy about earphones, but maybe she’ll do well with “mute”. Now if only she has the space to dance along to “Barney” I’ll be happier. I wonder if our airline has back-of-seat TVs? And I know there are US airports that rent out DVDs/video games and players and you can return in the next airport. But does anyone know the Philippines has this too?
3. Overstock on snacks, books, activity boards, notebooks, marking pens. A definite plus.
4. Sleep. Thankfully, my daughter’s a good sleeper, so that might stave off at least 8 hours of stress.
I would be happy to hear how you coped with your kids! And I will take your advice to heart.
Tags: Filipina, intercontinental flight, travel, toddler, children
3 Comments
since you don’t really go ‘home’ every year, paying for business class tickets is so worth it — you get more attention, more space, and the kid (who only pays a fraction) gets to sleep flat on his/her back on a seat that reclines way more than in coach. the food is a lot better especially if you order a special kiddie meal which they’ll bring out before anyone else’s thereby allowing you to feed him/her first after which he/she can sleep. there’s also more space to dance to Barney. keep a bottled water on hand to alleviate ear pressures for the little one.
bring her favorite toys and books as well as new ones. for a 2-year old, shape sorters (the complicated ones), simple jigsaws, and molding clays are great to keep her occupied for longer periods. my one hasn’t been so much into tv/videos at that age, so dvd’s weren’t so helpful. let her walk as much as possible during lay-overs. pack your stuff in a backpack so you have both hands free. bring an umbrella buggy, and ask if you check it in the cabin with you (policy may vary form airline to airline) .
be a good sport, and try not to sweat the small stuff, otherwise you’ll just make the travel more stressful. when all else fail, just remember: “this, too, shall pass!”
[...] I asked fellow bloggers about tips/ideas/experiences on travelling with children, I got a lot of responses (off-blog) and listed some of them here [...]