I’m a child behaviourist – the three things parents should always take on a flight to stop kids having tantrums
A CHILD expert has revealed three things parents should always do to avoid their kids having a tantrum on a plane.
A survey of 75,000 people in the UK found more than one in 10 people had experienced their children crying throughout an entire flight.
Elizabeth O’Shea, a child behaviourist, has come to parents’ rescue and shared her best tricks to prevent the worst from happening.
Planning beforehand can save you a lot of headaches when it’s time to travel, according to the child expert.
Nearly a third of parents who failed to do so claimed it led to a nightmare journey.
Elizabeth recommends parents teach their children about “the flight process ahead of time so they know what to expect – for toddlers and young children, it’s a great idea to set up a pretend aeroplane at home with signs and belts so they can picture what is going to happen on the day”.
She added: “It’s also key to remember that children rely on their parents to help them regulate, so really tune into your child, and focus on their needs and emotions to make the process as smooth as possible.”
The child behaviourist expert suggests bringing plenty of snacks for your child.
It could be a lifesaver if you and your child face hefty delays.
Sweets can also help fix your kid’s in-flight attitude as it helps equalise the air pressure behind their eardrums.
“Children are much less likely to get upset or irritable if they feel comfortable and not in any pain,” the child expert added.
Besides providing treats for comfort, kids will need something to distract them from potential boredom during the flight.
Having a bag of toys and games could come in handy and “can be as simple as getting little bits and pieces from the pound shop“.
Elizabeth urged parents not to shy away from using tech for entertainment.
Many kids love using in-flight entertainment on long-haul flights however, if none is provided giving your child a smartphone or tablet will come in handy.
“For older children, treat them to a new magazine or book, and it can be a nice idea to get some travel games such as a pack of cards, to play with them and pass the time.” the expert added.
It comes after a mum revealed an activity that she makes her children do before flying, which often leads to perks.
And a flight attendant has shared the best place for kids to sit while flying and why parents with babies should never fly at night.
Child behaviour expert’s 5 hacks for flying with rowdy kids
By Annabel Bate
Elizabeth O’Shea, a parenting expert, revealed her advice for making travelling with young kids as easy as possible.
Travelling with a child is notoriously hard but there are some things parents are doing to make it even more difficult.
Elizabeth believes the worst thing a parent can do is dress their children uncomfortably.
This is especially important for a long flight or overnight one, as changing them can be a bit of a Pallava.
Here are the five top tips to prepare you for your next flight:
- LAVENDER OIL
For young kids, take-off can be a really tricky time with nerves at an all-time high and not helped by the altitude change and ears popping.
Elizabeth therefore recommends having calming lavender oil at hand.
By putting some on your neck or your child’s, the scent will fill the nostrils and can help calm them either in your arms or in their own seat.
Lavender oil is currently being sold in Savers for £1.49 – but a drop of it practically costs nothing.
- 5-MINUTE CHAT
For a lot of children, the concept of an airport and flying can be really daunting.
Elizabeth therefore recommends getting those emotions out beforehand.
She has previously advised parents how to do this – with a great success rate.
She recommended setting up a fake airport or plane before flying – making all the signs and teaching your child how they will sit with a seat belt on.
The expert said: “Children need to picture what is going to happen, so show them what a plane looks like, what you do in an airport and just talk them through the stages.”
Elizabeth advised parents to ask them questions like “can you remember what to do when the seatbelt sign lights up” and “can you remember what different things we’re going to do when we get to the airport?”
- BACK OF THE PLANE
A good way to deal with emotions may be to take them to the back of the plane to let out some steam.
Elizabeth advised how some useful things to do are running on the spot or another kind of energy burner to shake out the emotions “without taking up much room.”
- COMFORTABLE CLOTHES
It is bound to set a bad tone for the whole flight if the child is uncomfortable with what they’re wearing.
This is especially important for a long flight or an overnight.
Changing children mid-flight can also prove difficult, so Elizabeth believes that ensuring the kids are initially in comfy clothes is a must.
- MAKE A PLAN
Lack of routine can be a main factor that affects a child’s mood negatively.
Elizabeth therefore recommends talking to them about the holiday you’re on your way to, so they know there’s something to look forward to.
It’s also great for them to understand what to expect when abroad.
A lot of kids struggle when breaking from routine so having some kind of plan, or timetable in place so they understand what they’re doing is the best thing to do.
An Amazon Chatterbox survey revealed that almost a third of Brits have avoided flying somewhere with kids because they’re too anxious.
But Elizabeth makes it clear that parents just need to prep in advance to make the journey as smooth as possible.
The survey polled 75,000 workers in the UK.