It’s taken stamina, patience, endless hours of planning, packing, cajoling, begging, bribing and sometimes even stealing (a few winks that is, while they were distracted by a film or redecorating the kitchen with finger paint). But finally, the day has come. Yes, the holidays are OVER!
School has resumed and with it FREEDOM! But perhaps more importantly, the close of the school holidays always provides an abundance of new tips tricks, and resolutions on how certain situations could be handled better next time.
For those, like myself, who opted to take their progeny to a holiday destination requiring air travel, (yes, you read that right, SIX KIDS on a PLANE - It’s got Hollywood blockbuster written all over it!) the winter break taught me what to do and what not to do, when getting the tribe in the air and actually reaching your desired destination with the family, your sanity, and the airplane itself, still intact.
Whether it’s a long-haul or a mere hop, skip, jump over a border, here’s how to ensure your flight is not one long trip to hell:
1. Explain the (apparently) obvious
Before the trip, take the time to explain to your children that they are about to embark on a very special journey, to a wonderful place, with lots of amazing things to see and do. Isn’t that exciting? In order for everyone to enjoy themselves, however, they must be on their very best behaviour. That means listening to all instructions given by yourself and the cabin staff, speaking quietly, and respecting their fellow travellers.
2. Use their heads
Checking in can be lengthy and onerous for even the most patient child. I keep them entertained by playing a game my children love: ‘Guess the destination’. Have them each choose a passing traveller and guess where that person looks like they are going to or even coming from.
2. The Sack of Distractions is mandatory
Put together what I have deemed the ‘Sack of Distractions’. This is a bag, preferably a large sealable plastic bag or container (so they can see the contents and therefore are not tempted to rummage around, spilling most of it on the floor, in their seat, and on the poor guy in 18B who had no idea he would be spending a prolonged period trapped next to a semi-trained monkey at the start of his holiday) filled with goodies you know they will love and, more importantly, will keep them distracted for the duration of the trip.
Some simple rules for the Sack of Distractions:
- No one item should cost more than $2 (everything should be ultimately disposable, you don’t want to be caught dragging it around for the duration of your holiday once it has served its purpose in getting you there). Hence, visit discount stores, large-chain department stores, craft warehouses and newsagents when putting your haul together.
- Include only one treat of a food nature – ie. a lollipop, a bag of crackers, a chocolate bar.
- Only hand out the Sack once the plane has stabilised and the seatbelt light is turned off.
- Control the Sack. Only allow your child to pull out and play with one item at a time, and each item must be played with for at least 10 minutes before moving on to the next. Otherwise, your child will invariably empty the entire contents onto their tray table, muck about with the lot, and be whining they are bored again within the hour.
- The Sack must be put away at meal times, only to be returned once they have finished eating.
Suggested Sack fillers:
- Play-dough with some simple tools (a must, keeps kids occupied, and reasonably clean).
- Packets of pencils, preferably the wind-up variety that don’t require sharpening, and small drawing pads. Ask them to draw what they see out the window, what they imagine their destination will be like, or to design a postcard for their grandparents or friends. Avoid textas, markers, or crayons. It is much harder for wandering fingers to graffiti the airplane interior with a simple pencil than it is any of the above.
- Packets of stickers.
- A deck of cards.
- Rubik’s cube or any hand-held puzzle (Note: Avoid picture puzzles! Bumped tray tables, turbulence, or a critical piece disappearing somewhere on a full plane all have the potential to ignite a political incident.
For older children, let them assist you in assembling their Sack, so there is no risk of rejection, and it is something they will look forward to. Many airlines offer children a soft toy or a stationery pack, but these are guaranteed to keep them entertained for all of 10 minutes. Never underestimate the power of a homemade Sack of Distraction.
4. BYO iPad
If you don’t have the time or energy to create a Sack of Distraction, there is always the iPad. Most airlines now offer them as part of entertainment packages which can be pre-purchased. But the advantage of taking your own is you can download games and sites which will appeal to your child (and which you have ultimately condoned) before the flight, and hopefully keep them distracted from take-off to touch-down.
5. Your first aid kit could be a life-saver
Pack some basic medications in your hand luggage: childrens paracetamol, sore throat lozenges, band-aids and nappy rash cream. Airline staff cannot provide these items in flight, and there is nothing more miserable than a child with a fever on a long-haul flight.
6. Ply the children with water
Air travel is dehydrating, and children are more prone to dehydration than adults simply because they are less likely to drink water before they feel thirsty. At meals times, let them have their juice as a treat, but ensure it is only water they consume in between, by offering it frequently. Yes, this may entail several visits to the bathroom, but occasionally having to allow them to stretch their legs is a small price to pay to avoid the misery of a dehydrated, constipated child at the other end of your journey.
7. Remember, just because you’ve left the aircraft doesn’t mean the ride is over
Put aside an activity they can do after alighting from the aircraft. This is a great time for a Rubik’s cube or the like, something that can be manipulated while standing and doesn’t require a table or many bits and pieces. A lengthy plane ride is torturous enough for small, easily-bored minions, let alone a lengthy customs queue and drive, boat, or another flight to your final destination.
8. Don’t forget to look after numero uno!
Pack some hydration salts for yourself. Every trip is a good trip if it ends with champagne, just insure you can recover in time to actually enjoy the final destination!
Best wishes and good luck for future family travels. May the force be with you!
