Kid beats up water fountain
Image by phigits
This kid was having a ball punching the water fountain on College Street.
Question by SuNShInE: How to keep kids quiet during airplane flight?
So I am really worried about our summer trip with my sister because she has two crazy little kids.
A 3 year old and a 5 year old. Its a 14 hour trip and they have never been in an airplane!!!!
Any tips or experiences besides DVD?
Best answer:
Answer by Neil
It’s really not your job to keep the kids “quiet,” is it? If you’re all worried about that, I’d suggest not sitting with them and having valium or vodka or both.
Add your own answer in the comments!
Keith_Beecham says:
Wow, what a great shot, the spray is amazing!
Hi, I’m an admin for a group called Kids and Water, and we’d love to have this added to the group!
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May 1, 2011, 9:14 amSeen on your photo stream. (?)
Township1 says:
Man, you keep blowin’ my mind! What a fantastic picture.
May 1, 2011, 9:38 amINDelight Photography says:
What a cool splash pattern! Great capture.
May 1, 2011, 10:10 amcity girl says:
First off, technically it is your sister’s problem to try to keep them entertained, however If it’s just her and you flying I’m sure she’d appreciate some help.
Having traveled with my young daughter … at 1 and 3.. here are some pointers.
First of all, please make sure the kids don’t fly with an ear infection as there ears will hurt a lot at the altitude and they will be in pain… and as such cry.
Gum- make sure you have gum for them to chew on during takeoff and landing to help there ears pop.
Benadryl. It make sound wierd but I know lots of parents that give this to their kids prior to flying. It helps calm them down and helps them to sleep.
New Toys. – Make sure they have never seen or played with them before the airplane. I don’t recommend toys with small pieces unless you want them lost in airplane land. But things like a magna doodle, coloring books, card games, etc are good.
Movies – I know you said not to mention, but this is a great way to keep kids occupied for at least an hour. On those long flights they will probably have a movie or two or even TV in the seat. Make sure to at least bring some headphones for the kids so that they can listen to the in-flight movies.
Games – My daughter will play games for awhile on my blackberry. Other electronic games may hold there attention
Get up and move about – Often times kids are cranky because parents expect them to be strapped in a seat and not move. Especially on SUCH a long flight, make sure that they get up and at least walk the aisles a bit, or let them move in their seat some. Just please make sure they aren’t kicking the person in front of them!
Snacks/Candy – Food is always good and things like candy or a special treat can be used when you sense them getting bored and on the verge of misbehavior.
Best of luck to you and your sister. Check out the sites below for some more help!
May 1, 2011, 10:44 amAmy says:
i traveled with my son at 5months, and again at 8 months, ur kids are a little older but, i picked the night time to take off, that way he would wanna sleep, i had layovers, so i had to wake him up.. toys that keep them entertained, an activity book, movies, anything with lots of functions n features. oh ya and both times i traveled with my son, i was alone. with a purse, diaper bag, baby (who didnt walk), carry on, a jacket (hot California when i left to snowing Detroit), an a car seat… yup, dont know how i did it alone, cause they dont help you, i became super mom. so a back pack would b ideal, for all the junk..
May 1, 2011, 11:36 amlilypool says:
Hi
I was an international flight attendant with Air New Zealand for 25 years. The best advice I can give you is to prepare your 3 and 5yr old before the flight. In of the answers you’ve already been given has some sound advice. Watch the ears for take off and landing (this applies to everyone). Let them know what the aircraft will be like inside the cabin. ie seats and rows etc. what noises to expect and that there will be a lot of people seated together. Let them know how important it is to listen to the captain and flight attendants and involve them in the safety briefing aspect and what the staff are doing.
Most airlines have a preboard policy for those needing assistance. When your sister booked her tickets she would have told the staff that she had two children. So when you arrive at the airport to check in tell the staff you will need assistance to board the aircraft before the bulk of the passengers.
May 1, 2011, 12:29 pmSome passengers I’ve known have their kids in their pajamas if the flight is starting at night time. This prepares the kids for sleep and is a comfort thing for them. I’ve also known parents to bring a favorite pillow or such like so they can sleep. Often children are placed near the bulk heads and movie screen (although not many aircraft have movie screens now) but eye shades can be a help for both parent and child. NB air plugs, favorite toys, food etc
It’s important to keep your child entertained if they are still wide eyed and awake after cabin lights have been dimmed (usually after the main meal) with new things to do. Have a supply of arts and crafts to do and to entertain. If your child is restless then take them for a walk up and down the aisle but remember only do this when the meal carts are out of the way and the flight attendants have finished with their meal service.
Don’t be afraid to ask the Flight attendants or other passengers to help. If people can see that your trying to do the best they are usually sympathetic. Problems arise when you don’t give a hoot about your kids noise and disturbance and people get annoyed when your not doing anything to resolve the situation.
The best thing is to be prepared. Good luck. You and your sister will be fine. Don’t forget to look after yourselves as well.