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Flying with 4yr old Solo Help

Trisha - posted on 05/27/2009 ( 2 moms have responded )

We leave Sunday Midnight, my Sister was nice enough to get us a 2hr layover in Texas before arriving at Mississippi, but I am still nervous. He is so active and rambunctious. Also he has only been potty trained for a few months, I heard big changes often make them go backwards. And well with flights you don't always have the option of being out of you seat or the seat belt when you may want to, so I am afraid of him wetting himself on the plane. I am packing an extra pair of clothes and trash bad in the carry on, but I could use any suggestions. I also plan to have a small picture of the map from mapquest showing each airport and a line between them so he can pertend he is keeping track of where the plain is. We also have a small DVD player and his animal backpack/leash ... thats about all I can come up with. Any help would do please. I have never really taken him anywhere without my husband to help.

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Trisha - posted on 05/27/2009

Thank you Michelle Duffy, I appreciate your help, and encouragement. I went to the blog post and read that. Its just nice to know some one else has been there done that ... again thank you

Michelle - posted on 05/27/2009

You'll be fine :)

I have two very rambunctious boys (one who has ADHD) and I've traveled widely (mostly internationally) with and without my husband.

Firstly: just set your expectations that it's going to be hard work, because it is. But it's also a finite duration i.e. once the flights are over, you're done and it really doesn't matter how well or not he did because you can carry on and enjoy the rest of your trip.

Secondly: pack plenty of dry snacks and if he'll watch a DVD bring a favorite one or two. And favorite books and favorite small toys. If you can get him to listen to audiobooks before you go, those have worked fabulously with my kids.

Let him have a little backpack with a favorite book or blanket or toy, but pack a sturdy carry-on bag for yourself that you can have under the seat in front of you - for easy reach to toys/games/snacks as required.

I have some more info on a blog post I wrote recently on this (http://wanderlustandlipstick.com/blogs/w...) or you could pick up a copy of my book (http://www.tinyurl.com/traveling-with-ki...) where we have a whole chapter on flying with children :)