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Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get my 3 and 4 year olds on an
airplane? I'm not sure why they are afraid except that they think it will be
really loud. My son, in particular, is very sensitive to loud noises - he
even begs people in public bathrooms not to use the hand dryer. We've talked
about the noise level on the plane, etc.

It's probably just the fear of the unknown. For the oldest, he may have some
September 11th memories because it took me about 10 minutes to realize he was
actually watching the TV news coverage immediately after the attacks. But he
hasn't brought that up.

I don't want to force them to do something they are afraid of. But we have
an opportunity to use a friend's United miles and I'd rather not pass that
up! It's not like we can visit an airport to watch the planes take off and
land, either. I thought we could look for some books and videos at the
library...

Thanks.

Elizabeth


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[email protected]

In a message dated 9/8/02 11:16:23 PM Central Daylight Time, ejcrewe@...
writes:


> Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get my 3 and 4 year olds on an
> airplane? I'm not sure why they are afraid except that they think it will
> be
> really loud. My son, in particular, is very sensitive to loud noises - he
> even begs people in public bathrooms not to use the hand dryer. We've
> talked
> about the noise level on the plane, etc.
>
>

I remember the days when the flight attendants would push a cart around that
had a steam tray built in it. They passed out warm (actually hot) washcloths.
What a wonderful thing that was! <g>

In any case, talk to the kids about the noise. It is loud at take off, don't
say things like, its only a little loud, tell them it is loud. Explain how it
feels when the plane takes off, how it feels to be laying back for a few
minutes, that feeling in your stomach when the plane levels off, and when the
plane lands.

We traveled tons when I was a kid. I have been in little nuts-and-bolts
planes, planes that weren't fit to fly 5 feet in, planes that were long and
sleek and beautiful where you didn't hear a sound or feel a thing. I flew in
a plane that lost 3 of its 4 engines, and a UPS plane once took me across the
Pacific. There are a few things I ALWAYS take with me. Ear plugs; to help
with the noise, Chewing gum; to help my ears pop, A hot washcloth in a
thermos; for after the plane has leveled off. (I boil water, put the
washcloth in, wring it out, microwave the washcloth and then drop it into a
thermos. This keeps it hot for a few hours. I also put boiling water in the
thermos to heat it up, and dump the water out before I put the washcloth in.)
I flew on September 30, last year and was allowed to take my thermos on the
plane. You might want to check. I also take books, paper and crayons. Even in
the most economical planes there are usually trays that pull down from the
seats.

Talk to the kids about the noise, and the feelings they will experience. Talk
to them about popping their ears, and chewing gum. Talk to them about their
fears. Take them to the park and swing them. (its not quite the same, but
close) Get some ear plugs and show them how to wear them. Call the airline
and ask if they still hand out those wing pins. Ask if the kids could
possibly meet the captain. Even if it is before take off, out of the plane.
Ask if you can board first so the kids can see the plane without tons of
people milling around the aisles.
Good Luck!
~Nancy


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[email protected]

Dramamine (they have orange chewable now, and liquid, I think) and headphones
with happy music. Fancy water bottle of their own. (Don't wait for the
drink service.) Gum to chew so they don't get the ear-discomfort as easily.

Sandra

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In a message dated 9/9/2002 12:16:32 AM Eastern Daylight Time,
ejcrewe@... writes:


> I don't want to force them to do something they are afraid of. But we have
> an opportunity to use a friend's United miles and I'd rather not pass that
> up! It's not like we can visit an airport to watch the planes take off and
>
> land, either. I thought we could look for some books and videos at the
> library...
>

Are you not close to an airport? We went on a field trip with a homeschool
group to the airport and got to walk onto the planes and see the cockpit and
sit in the seats for a while. My 6 year old has never been on a flight, so
this was pretty cool for him.
I'm sure if you were to call out to a nearby airport they would allow him to
take a tour---especially after the attacks.

Kelly


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[email protected]

In a message dated 9/9/02 7:23:24 AM Central Daylight Time,
kbcdlovejo@... writes:


> Are you not close to an airport? We went on a field trip with a homeschool
> group to the airport and got to walk onto the planes and see the cockpit
> and
> sit in the seats for a while. My 6 year old has never been on a flight, so
> this was pretty cool for him.
> I'm sure if you were to call out to a nearby airport they would allow him
> to
> take a tour---especially after the attacks.
>
> Kelly
>

As far as I know, unless you have a ticket, you cannot get up to the waiting
area's in airports anymore. So in most airports it is impossible to get the
good view of planes landing and taking off like you get at the boarding
waiting area. Maybe if she lives near a small airport that would be
different.
~Nancy


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

Judy

some cool ear plugs.

ejcrewe@... wrote:

> Does anyone have any suggestions on how to get my 3 and 4 year olds
> on an
> airplane? I'm not sure why they are afraid except that they think it
> will be
> really loud. My son, in particular, is very sensitive to loud noises
> - he
> even begs people in public bathrooms not to use the hand dryer. We've
> talked
> about the noise level on the plane, etc.
>
> It's probably just the fear of the unknown. For the oldest, he may
> have some
> September 11th memories because it took me about 10 minutes to realize
> he was
> actually watching the TV news coverage immediately after the attacks.
> But he
> hasn't brought that up.
>
> I don't want to force them to do something they are afraid of. But we
> have
> an opportunity to use a friend's United miles and I'd rather not pass
> that
> up! It's not like we can visit an airport to watch the planes take
> off and
> land, either. I thought we could look for some books and videos at
> the
> library...
>
> Thanks.
>
> Elizabeth
>
>
> [Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
>
>
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[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

[email protected]

In a message dated 9/9/2002 7:23:26 AM Central Standard Time,
kbcdlovejo@... writes:


> I'm sure if you were to call out to a nearby airport they would allow him to
>
> take a tour---especially after the attacks.
>
>

What a great idea! I had thought they wouldn't let us after the attacks,
because security is tight. We are 1/2 an hour away from Chicago O'Hare of
Midway.

And the suggestions about what to bring, etc are great too. Thanks! I've
never given my two chewing gum before, is it safe for a 3 and 4 year old? I
was thinking about the drinks, definately and headphones. But probably
pullups because they hate public bathrooms and I'm very claustrophobic (can't
even get my own car washed, much less squeeze the three of us in a teeny tiny
toilet).

Elizabeth


[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]