Advise on long flight with 5 year old
 

We will be going to Italy this summer and our flights will be 9 - 10 hours long. We have a very good, but like all 5 year old, very active child. She loves books and coloring, so they are part of our plan. Does any one have any other good ideas on how entertain her so everyone is happy, including our fellow passengers?

One big error is getting your child too excited before the flight. Do not talk about the upcoming flight, just pretend it is a normal day. Some times the child gets so excited that they cannot unwind, sleep or rest. So stay calm and your 5 year old should stay that way. Have a good flight.

My son was a veteran traveler, starting at four months old and what worked for me at 5 years old was packing his own carry-on bag (he would carry it most of the time so not too heavy). In it would be a new toy-something to manipulate on his own, sticker book, puzzle book-like mazes/connect the dots, coloring book/crayons, easy reading books w/pictures like Dr. Suess, favorite stuffed animal or what he sleeps with and snack and drinks. You might have to carry the books in your bag depending on how heavy that is. Children tend to want to take too many things with them so if they are responsible for carrying their bag, it helps them to limit their toys Plus when they have their own carry-on, they can get in and out of it without having to bother sleepy parents. She will probably fall asleep when you do-especially when you read her a story after she has gone through a few toys etc. Good luck!

One on-line travel company has been compiling tips about traveling with children... here they are, for your plagiaristic reading pleasure: <BR> <BR>Someone suggested that you pre-record cassettes of you reading them stories. Get new books from the library, and read them out loud into the recorder. During the trip each kid can listen to their favorite stories on headsets while turning the pages in the books themselves. It's quiet, interesting, and when they want to "read it again!" they can replay the tape. <BR> <BR>Another person used bribery - they bought new books, toys, etc. and hid them under the seats. They parceled them out throughout the trip. They also brought along a lot of snacks that were not allowed at home (unhealthy). Everyone probably agrees that this is terrible IN THEORY, but when you're trapped in a plane with antsy kids, you may consider being flexible. <BR> <BR>If your plans allow, make plans to get the kids to run off steam before the flight. It's seldom practical to spend time at a park before a trip, but, ask a relative to take them to the park. Once you arrive at your destination, At least once a day, preferably twice (mid-morning and mid afternoon) stop in a small town and find a park. Let the kids run and play for at least 15 minutes - timed by the clock - thirty is better. Relax yourself. <BR> <BR>Good luck!

Try the Lonely Planet travel Web site - they have a section on travelling with children.. They also produce a book on the subject which is worth buying. You can order it through the web site. <BR>The address is: www.lonelyplanet.com

Have 2 grown kids, 3 llittle nieces------I am here to tell you that BRIBERY REALLY WORKS!!! Don't have to be big gifts---and be sure to wrap each one! (that takes up the time too) There are book/cassette sets with headphones that my nieces love--there's never a movie for kids on the plane. Get seats with an aisle access so you can roam a bit but just recently I witnessed at flattened child because the flight attendants can't see over those carts and so can't see the kids. Keep her seated when the meals are out, and order a special kid meal. The backpack is great, just put a very few favorites in so she has room for all the new jumk!!---Pretend jewelry is great--some very simple card games. We once gave our son a very old and inexpensive camera and allowed him to take photos, but I think he was older. Good lluck!! <BR>

SEDATE HER. <BR> <BR>(Just kidding!) <BR>

My kids are also veteran travelers having been shuttled between NJ and Phoenix and then to Scotland. All the above toys, travel games, softcover books are necessities. (some new!) Food is important-bottled water, fruit snacks, pretzels, etc. Getting them the headphones keeps them entertained. Long flights usually have 2 movies and choices that a 5 year old 'may' be able to watch. Music is a hit, too. Running thru a quiet part of the airport is a good way to blow off steam. Generally, letting them have their way is a good rule of thumb. Don't expect to get any reading done yourself. I always pack my backpack with stuff for the kids, too! Good Luck!

Hope you get tp enjoy your vacation as well!!! Can you hand her off to relatives at your destinatiion? If so, keep that in mind!! Also, remember that unless they kick the seat in front of them, llittle kids don't bother the rest of the passengers as much as you would imagine. But, the kicking, while someone is tryiing to sleep is awful!! You'll make it across, I'm sure! You sound lilke good parents and considerate travelers. Thanks from the rest of us. <BR>