Tips for LONG flight with HIGH ENERGY 4.5 year old

[EVC]

So we've finally mustered up the courage to take a family vacation. However, I am VERY stressed about the travel part. Going there will take about 15 hours of travel (two flights with one layover). Coming back approximately 27 hours of travel (three planes, two layovers).

DD is 4.5 and EXTREMELY high energy. How can I occupy her on these long flights? I'll buy some chapter books to read to her, some activity books to work on, but what do I do about all of the physical energy???? Any advice or ideas of how to make this as painless as possible both for dd and me, as well as for our fellow passengers?

[LuckyMommaToo]

Honestly, I found that engaging their minds as much as possible is what worked best. There's just no way these days to wander the aisles of airplanes. Everyone's too jumpy.

Those small cans of playdoh (you can buy a bunch of them in a tube) are great with some small plastic animals.

Do you have an iTouch? They are beyond amazing for travel. You can load music, stories, tv shows, movies and there are SO many inexpensive games for that age. Plus tiny to carry. So worth it IMO if you have the extra cash.

These Usborne sticker books are fantastic:
http://www.amazon.com/Sticker-Dolly-...4807727&sr=8-7
I linked to Fairies but there are a bunch of them.

I think if you go into it with the understanding that you may have to entertain her every second, you'll be fine. That probably won't happen, though. Best of luck.
-e

[Marylizah]

Three words: portable dvd player.

My travel philosophy is: all rules are suspended in favor of staying sane. Too much screen-time? Not a problem!!

I would also find a quiet corner of the airports where you have layovers and have her run around.

Good luck!

[velochic]

I'm assuming these will be trans-oceanic flights. The airplanes will have screens set into the backs of the seats in front of you. Just let her veg out and watch the movies over and over and over. Seriously. We limit screen time at home (for all of us... not just dd), but when we are on these long-haul flights, we just let dd zone out. I suppose it always worked so well because she *doesn't* watch a lot of TV at home.

On connections, we would find an out-of-the-way place in the terminal for her to run and play so as to not bother other waiting passengers.

On the shorter connecting flights, wrap up tiny gifts for her... dole them out one by one and as she gets bored with one, reveal the next.

Travel board games were also popular at this age.

Good luck on the trip!

[GuildJenn]

I agree with all of the above (especially the Touch, which carries videos and games together) and have a few additional minor suggestions:

- start talking to her now about flights, airplanes, and behaviour...it can't hurt and if she gets really into the experience it might help her with it

- finger puppets can sometimes help for something physical (like the playdough idea above) that can be done sitting down. Pipe cleaners used to be a good one (build things, make shapes, etc.) - I'd think they'd still be ok security-wise. The Crayola chemical-filled no-stain finger paints might be along the same line, if you have room to carry a set. You could also start now with something like desk yoga - some calming exercises that can be done in one's seat

- finger games/finger plays can help too - cat's cradle, the "here's the church and here's the steeple" type things. Thumb wrestling.

- if she doesn't play cards yet, teach her now so you can play on the plane

Good luck! Just remember - you WILL get there. And back.

[LynnS6]

Several more words:

Remember, you'll never see any of these people again.

[EVC]

Thank you for all of the suggestions!

The airplanes will have screens set into the backs of the seats in front of you

Really? That's good to know! It's been so long since we've flown anywhere (last time was when dd was about 2 months old): I just remember the TV sets in the cabin for the in flight movie, so this is news to me!

tart talking to her now about flights, airplanes, and behaviour...it can't hurt and if she gets really into the experience it might help her with it

We've been doing that and she says she understands, although translating thought into behavior can be worlds apart for dd.

You could also start now with something like desk yoga - some calming exercises that can be done in one's seat

That sounds interesting: any sites for that?

I would also find a quiet corner of the airports where you have layovers and have her run around.

Our layovers are pretty quick, so it will likely be more an issue of getting her to focus on getting from point A to point B with minimal running off--which is what she will want to do since a bustling airport will probably be pretty intriguing to her. Especially souvenir and toy filled duty free shops. I will also be carrying a small dog, so chasing after her will be a problem. And I really don't want to miss our connecting flight because dd is lost somewhere in the airport

And the standing in line worries me (passport control, for example). Dh is a citizen of the country where we're going so he'll probably zip right through, leaving dd and me in what I remember to be endless lines of people pushing and shoving. And that after 15 hours of travel.

I think part of this issue is that I realize that I'm really asking A LOT of dd to be patient throughout this process. It's hard for many adults to handle, much less an energetic four year old.

I just want things to go as smooth as humanly possibly.

Remember, you'll never see any of these people again.

Yeah, but I'll see dh again and I can just hear him bitching about it for months to come

[velochic]

Originally Posted by EVC

I will also be carrying a small dog, so chasing after her will be a problem.

Have your done your research about this? Usually you cannot transport animals abroad in the cabin. It depends on the airline, the size of the pet and the quarantine rules of where you are going They usually go with cargo. Also depending on where you are going there can be a lengthy quarantine. I've only ever heard of people bringing pets when they are moving abroad as the animal may be in quarantine as long as the stay in the country they are visiting.

Of course, you may already have all of the information and I'm just blowing smoke, but, as you seemed to have a lot of questions about traveling abroad, I thought that perhaps you might not know this, as well.

The screens in the seats will likely only be for the trans-oceanic (not sure where you are going) flight... not the shorter, domestic flights.

Good luck!

[Marylizah]

Originally Posted by EVC

And the standing in line worries me (passport control, for example). Dh is a citizen of the country where we're going so he'll probably zip right through, leaving dd and me in what I remember to be endless lines of people pushing and shoving. And that after 15 hours of travel.

I think part of this issue is that I realize that I'm really asking A LOT of dd to be patient throughout this process. It's hard for many adults to handle, much less an energetic four year old.

I just want things to go as smooth as humanly possibly.



Yeah, but I'll see dh again and I can just hear him bitching about it for months to come

As for passport control-- when we are standing in lines, (DH and I have different nationalities) we always go as a family. So if we're going into the US (I'm a citizen, DH isn't) we ALL go to the citizen line. Same for our country of residence (DH is a citizen, I'm not)-- we go as a family. It's usually chaotic, they have never given us problems for doing it this way. They are especially forgiving if there are children involved!

And, yes, if the flights are transatlantic they sometimes have the built-in video screens-- but that's not always the case. To be sure, bring backup!

And remind your DH that she's his daughter/responsibility, too!!

[EVC]

Have your done your research about this? Usually you cannot transport animals abroad in the cabin. It depends on the airline, the size of the pet and the quarantine rules of where you are going They usually go with cargo. Also depending on where you are going there can be a lengthy quarantine. I've only ever heard of people bringing pets when they are moving abroad as the animal may be in quarantine as long as the stay in the country they are visiting.

Yes, I think we're good to go on that. We've travelled internationally with him before (he too is a "citizen" of the country we're going to: has his little dog passport, no quarantines, vaxed 30 days before travel). I've cleared him with KLM to bring him in the cabin, just have to call the operator of the connecting flight, but the KLM desk said things should be fine. (He's a chihuahua, so he actually fits right under the seat like a carry-on ). Hopefully, there won't be any unexpected problems with this. Actually this is one of the reasons we chose KLM: they allow small animals in the cabin.

The screens in the seats will likely only be for the trans-oceanic (not sure where you are going) flight... not the shorter, domestic flights.

Trans-Atlantic is the longest leg of the journey (San Francisco to Amsterdam). Once in Amsterdam, I think the connecting flight is only 2 or 3 hours.

On the way back things are bit more complicated (we have an additional layover in the US: I think Minneapolis?). But still the Trans-Atlantic part is the longest haul.

[EVC]

s for passport control-- when we are standing in lines, (DH and I have different nationalities) we always go as a family. So if we're going into the US (I'm a citizen, DH isn't) we ALL go to the citizen line. Same for our country of residence (DH is a citizen, I'm not)-- we go as a family. It's usually chaotic, they have never given us problems for doing it this way. They are especially forgiving if there are children involved!

That's good to know, too. I thought they were more strict about that. Definitely better to go together

And remind your DH that she's his daughter/responsibility, too!!

Well, he knows that. But as with dd, translating thought into behavior can be different things for him

And I think we've negotiated the travel responsibility breakdown basically to be that dh takes care of all the baggage and I handle dd and the dog. It's based on our relative strenghts

[AAK]

Originally Posted by Marylizah

Three words: portable dvd player.

My travel philosophy is: all rules are suspended in favor of staying sane. Too much screen-time? Not a problem!!

I would also find a quiet corner of the airports where you have layovers and have her run around.

Good luck!

DVD or a DS--we love them for travel.

I found that bringing a "bag full of tricks" just encouraged mine to want to see what else was in there. It was awful. So now, we bring a pad or paper, couple books, crayons, one small stuffed toy, a couple snacks, and the DS.

Amy

[velochic]

Originally Posted by EVC

Yes, I think we're good to go on that. We've travelled internationally with him before (he too is a "citizen" of the country we're going to: has his little dog passport, no quarantines, vaxed 30 days before travel). I've cleared him with KLM to bring him in the cabin, just have to call the operator of the connecting flight, but the KLM desk said things should be fine. (He's a chihuahua, so he actually fits right under the seat like a carry-on ). Hopefully, there won't be any unexpected problems with this. Actually this is one of the reasons we chose KLM: they allow small animals in the cabin.



Trans-Atlantic is the longest leg of the journey (San Francisco to Amsterdam). Once in Amsterdam, I think the connecting flight is only 2 or 3 hours.

On the way back things are bit more complicated (we have an additional layover in the US: I think Minneapolis?). But still the Trans-Atlantic part is the longest haul.

Awesome! I know others that have had issues with their pets, so that's great.

With KLM, I can almost guarantee that you'll have in-flight video. You can call and confirm it though.

I think that having a shorter trans-atlantic flight on the way back (not all the way to SF) might be a blessing in disguise, although it might not seem that way. Going over, it's night, so they sleep. Coming back, it's day and they end up being awake for almost the whole flight.

Another tip I thought about. We don't really do this anymore, but did when dd was younger (she's 8 now). One of us would order a special meal (diabetic, vegetarian) and they serve these before they start the actual meal service. This would give one of us a chance to finish eating then be free to deal with dd when she got her meal. Or if you are OK with the kid's menu (we never were... they always seemed like fast food stuff), they might bring her meal earlier and you can get her meal over with before you have to deal with yours.

Have a great trip!

[EVC]

Another tip I thought about. We don't really do this anymore, but did when dd was younger (she's 8 now). One of us would order a special meal (diabetic, vegetarian) and they serve these before they start the actual meal service. This would give one of us a chance to finish eating then be free to deal with dd when she got her meal. Or if you are OK with the kid's menu (we never were... they always seemed like fast food stuff), they might bring her meal earlier and you can get her meal over with before you have to deal with yours.

Hmmm....That's interesting. I special ordered a vegetarian meal for myself and a kid's meal for dd. I was actually hoping it would NOT be fast food-y (I guess my odd logic was that they would try to make it light and healthy for young travelers--guess not). Nevertheless, the meal requests might indeed space things out for us a bit.

[GuildJenn]

Originally Posted by EVC

That sounds interesting: any sites for that?

Here are a few:

http://www.homemakers.com/health-and...k-yoga/a/27245

http://yoga.about.com/od/yogasequenc...kstretches.htm

http://www.mydailyyoga.com/yogaindex.html

We do cat-cow with my son.

[starlein26]

Originally Posted by Marylizah

Three words: portable dvd player.

My travel philosophy is: all rules are suspended in favor of staying sane. Too much screen-time? Not a problem!!

I would also find a quiet corner of the airports where you have layovers and have her run around.

Good luck!

[One_Girl]

They should have an in flight movie that may help do the job, though it may not be what you would choose for your child to watch if you weren't desparate for some quiet time. Books on cd may be a nice option, my dd has always loved books on cd and will sit for hours to listen to them. I always have dd walk a lot and play active games while we are waiting for our flight so I can tire her out a bit before we are on the plane. If we are staying in one area I ask her to see how many times she can jump on one foot or both feet and I pretend I wasn't looking and tell her to do it again so I can see it. I think that you should start practicing holding hands now and stress the importance of staying together in the airport. You will probably be able to get up a little and walk in the plane once you are flying.

A really gross thing we learned on our last flight that was to check the vomit bag the plane provides to make sure no one spit their gum into it then left it in the pocket. My dd got air sick out of the blue on our last trip and the three bags in our isle had gum holding them shut. For really long flights it is good to be prepared for upset tummies, especially if this is her first long flight.

[AllisonR]

Originally Posted by Marylizah

Three words: portable dvd player.

My travel philosophy is: all rules are suspended in favor of staying sane. Too much screen-time? Not a problem!!

I would also find a quiet corner of the airports where you have layovers and have her run around.

Good luck!

Ditto. We just bought a DVD player specifically for our flight (opposite of yours - Copenhagen to LA. You are lucky getting San F direct to Amsterdam!
I find my kids are fascinated with the airports, planes taking off and landing, all the luggage trucks, the huge open atmosphere, all the shops... It's only on the plane that can be a problem.

Originally Posted by LuckyMommaToo

Honestly, I found that engaging their minds as much as possible is what worked best. There's just no way these days to wander the aisles of airplanes. Everyone's too jumpy.

Those small cans of playdoh (you can buy a bunch of them in a tube) are great with some small plastic animals.

I've had no problems wandering up and down isles 50-100 times with young kids. I don't think anyone is nervous about a 3 yo walking down the isle laughing with her momma. In fact many people, who are bored themselves, try to engage with the kids in a friendly way.

So many posts suggest bringing play dough. Maybe we will try this. Don't the airlines get ticked off about it though - I imagine play dough can get really stuck on the back of the seat.

Bubble gum. Really. On take-off and landing. To prevent ear pressure and popping. My kids never get it, I hate the stuff, but this will be the exception. But as a pp mentioned, better make sure it doesn't end up in the barf bag.

[LuckyMommaToo]

I've had no problems wandering up and down isles 50-100 times with young kids. I don't think anyone is nervous about a 3 yo walking down the isle laughing with her momma. In fact many people, who are bored themselves, try to engage with the kids in a friendly way.

Allison, you must have much better travel luck than me! I swear, we have the grumpiest people on our flights. And I'm talking about people making unpleasant remarks to us as we board, even. But it's nice to hear that's not always necessarily the case.
-e