Flying With Children - Some Tips
Since my parents have moved to the Costa Blanca we have frequently flown over to Alicante in order to visit them. My children are now aged 12 and 4 and keeping them occupied has always been a challenge. I have found that my son is much harder work than my daughter ever was - where do boys get their energy?!
Occupied on the Plane
Keeping my daughter entertained was easier than my son. Many holidays we would get on the flight with a large rucksack full of Barbies, Polly Pockets and all their paraphinalia, plus books, crayons, colouring books, and notepads. She would quite happily sit there and play by herself, read, colour, practice her letters etc. Not once did I have to take any change of clothes or stop her from running around the plane!
I am sure you know what I am going to say next! My son is a different story altogether. Not only have we always needed to take about 2 clean
landing was just horrendous, because he would just scream!
Sometimes we got lucky and he would just fall asleep 
If this sounds like your holiday journey then you will be pleased to know that once they reach about 8 it all becomes a lot easier! My daughter is now 12 years old and travelling with her is a real delight. She sticks the ipod in her ears and reads a book - bliss! Only another 4 years before my son reaches this stage!
My tips for keeping children entertained during a flight are to be prepared. It all comes down to preparation. Make sure that you have their favourite toys - as many as you can get in your hand luggage. I try not to rely on electronic games or DVD players but there are times when they really do come in handy. They can keep children occupied for a good hour, after all it is your holiday too!
If you have a child still in nappies a good tip is to create a small nappy change bag into which you put 2 nappies, cream, wipes and a few nappy sacks. As soon as you sit down take this out of your hand luggage and put it in the pocket in front of you. Then if they need a nappy change you have everything you need in a small easy to carry bag right there in front of you. Do remember enough milk and maybe a few treats.
And before you know it you will have landed!
Happy Holidays!
