Many children are nervous about flying. However, there are several ways that you can make flying less stressful, and help your child to be less anxious before and during a flight.
The first, and most important. step is not to let your child know if you are scared of flying. Just as your child likes to mimic what you say and do, he or she will pick up on your flying anxieties, and make them his or her own. If you are nervous about flying, talk to your partner or another adult about it before your departure, and try to speak to your child, reassuring him or her, when you take off and land – not only will it help your child to cope, but it also helps take your mind off your fears.
Talk to your child about how exciting flying will be, and all the people that are involved in keeping you safe while you’re in the plane. Point to the air traffic controllers tower, and tell your child that the men and women there help to make sure the plane is safe. Explain that checking your luggage helps to keep everyone on the plane safe, and tell him or her that the pilot has to study for a long time to learn how to fly. The more your child understands that there are definite safety procedures involved in flying, the less nervous he or she is likely to be.
Providing your child with activities to do during the flight, such as colouring or reading, can help a lot, and you can also talk your child through whatever is happening, explaining the noise, and the effects he or she is feeling.
Whatever you do, don’t make light of your child’s fears, and if he or she does start to cry, try to comfort your child rather than trying to stop the tears – he or she will feel much better once the tears are out.
The first, and most important. step is not to let your child know if you are scared of flying. Just as your child likes to mimic what you say and do, he or she will pick up on your flying anxieties, and make them his or her own. If you are nervous about flying, talk to your partner or another adult about it before your departure, and try to speak to your child, reassuring him or her, when you take off and land – not only will it help your child to cope, but it also helps take your mind off your fears.
Talk to your child about how exciting flying will be, and all the people that are involved in keeping you safe while you’re in the plane. Point to the air traffic controllers tower, and tell your child that the men and women there help to make sure the plane is safe. Explain that checking your luggage helps to keep everyone on the plane safe, and tell him or her that the pilot has to study for a long time to learn how to fly. The more your child understands that there are definite safety procedures involved in flying, the less nervous he or she is likely to be.
Providing your child with activities to do during the flight, such as colouring or reading, can help a lot, and you can also talk your child through whatever is happening, explaining the noise, and the effects he or she is feeling.
Whatever you do, don’t make light of your child’s fears, and if he or she does start to cry, try to comfort your child rather than trying to stop the tears – he or she will feel much better once the tears are out.