Flying with Children

If you think that your child is the only kid out there with a methods fear of flying, you’re not alone. Many kiddos have a fear of flying and while it is unknown whether this issue is truly a phobia or simply a reaction to certain events, it can be frightful and limiting to the person suffering from it.

 Keep the Kids Occupied

A great way to keep your children calm while flying is to simply distract them. Coloring books are a great way to keep younger children entertained and their mind off of what is going on around them. If you’re headed on a long vacation, you may even try to talk your children into doing their homework on the plane so they won’t have to worry about it later!

 Reduce Anxiety

There are numerous coping strategies that can be used to make flying less stressful. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America recommends taking the following steps on the day of a flight: Stay focused on the destination and the fun that you’re about to have. Anxiety is reduced when a person thinks of what they are traveling for in the first place, and how rewarding it will be to arrive at their destination. Calming your children before the flight can help greatly before they even board. If you can find an empty area in the airport, try playing games that will tire them out a bit so they aren’t so focused on the upcoming flight. Of course, remember to respect the space of other people in the airport! Avoid sugar and other foods and drink that may energize your kids before you board. If your children continue to struggle with flying anxiety over numerous trips you may want to consider addressing with them where the fear is stemming from. Sometimes it may just be the noise, or even the confined space that makes them feel anxious, versus actually flying through the air.

Take a Flying Course

Both European and American airports offer courses to assist people in overcoming a fear of flying. These courses are operated by airline staff and cabin crews. However, these courses may not be beneficial for young children who don’t fully understand the concepts of flying. The courses typically help people understand how flying works, explain misconceptions about air travel and introduce relaxation techniques to deal with turbulence.