How to Avoid Tantrums on Airplanes
with
Angela Dejong
Public meltdowns are never easy, but handling one on a crowded airplane can feel like immanent disaster. See how to avoid and also handle airplane outbursts with ease.
Transcript: How to Avoid Tantrums on Airplanes
Hi, I'm Angela de Jong-Angelici for About.com. Getting on a plane with small children can be nerve racking. Repeat these words: "stay calm."Prepare for the flight and remind yourself to stay relaxed. If you are relaxed, there is a better chance your children will stay relaxed.
Keep Active Before the Flight
Before boarding, let the kids run around in the airport. This will help get them ready for some lengthy sitting. If it is a late flight, go ahead and put their PJs on to get them comfortable and ready to sleep.Explain What Will Happen on the Flight
When you get on the plane, settle your children in their seats and talk to them about what is going on. Tell them about take off and the flight. Talk about where they are going and how much fun they are going to have at the destination.Bring Along Supplies
Make sure you have plenty of snacks to keep them occupied. Bring their own backpack filled with small toys and games to keep them entertained. When the seat belt sign is off, take advantage of the time. You can let your child stand up or walk around to get rid of some of the restlessness. It may be difficult for a child to stay seated the entire trip, any excuse to walk around will help.Stay Calm During Airplane Meltdowns
If your child gets upset, stay calm. Do not stress or worry about the stares you will get from the other passengers. Do the best you can to calm your child down. Try to distract them by playing together with a toy you brought along.Make Landing Easier
Landing can also be difficult for a child. They have to sit in their seat again and put their bags away. Plus their ears may pop. Have something ready to pull out for landing. It should include a sucker or drink they can have to help with their ears popping. And have a separate small book or toy that they have not played with yet to help keep them entertained and in their seat.Even if your child is not on their best behavior, they key is keeping yourself calm. Most of the other passengers may have been in this situation before and understand. For the ones that do not, just remind yourself that you are doing the best you can. The stares may be uncomfortable, but they will not actually harm you.
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