Hey there! I’m sure many of you, like me, have had that moment of dread when you realize you will be trapped in a metal bird for hours on end with your children. Don’t panic, I’ve got you covered with some tips that have saved me multiple times. Today, we will delve into handy pointers on how to keep your children entertained on long flights.
1. The power of planning
For me, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. I learned this the hard way when we made our first cross-Atlantic flight. Benjamin, our 5-year-old, threw a tantrum mid-flight. Why? His special toy car was snuggled safely at home and far away from the skies. Do not underestimate the power of your child’s favorite toy!
2. Activity Packs: The Magic Toolbox
On our next trip—I came prepared. I packed an activity pack with coloring books, puzzles, stickers and yes, the special toy car. The Smithsonian Magazine confirms that creative activities are a powerful tool to engage children[1]. My family’s personal evidence backs this up: armed with his activity pack, Benjamin was an angel for the entire 8-hour flight.
3. In-Flight Movies: The Digital Nanny
Who doesn’t love a good movie? Almost every flight now offers in-flight entertainment. I remember on one New York-London leg, the animated movie ‘Frozen’ was playing and it absolutely captivated Sarah, our 7-year-old. There’s a reason why research from Common Sense Media reports that appropriate and quality screen time can be beneficial for kids[2].
4. Portable Gaming Devices: The Tech Helper
Even after the movie was over, Sarah was still engaged thanks to her portable Nintendo switch loaded with age-appropriate games. Like The Guardian says, children engage more when they have interactive activities[3]. A device she loves plus games she enjoys? Adios, mid-flight tantrums!
5. Travel-themed Learning: Double Win
Lastly, I found that turning the flight itself into a learning experience works wonders. Once, I bought a kids’ world map book for a flight to Australia. For hours, Benjamin was absorbed in figuring out our course, learning about the continents and oceans we crossed. It drove home the point that travel itself, as mentioned by The Telegraph, can serve as personal development for children[4].
It can be daunting to think about how to keep the kids entertained on a long flight, but with a little bit of planning, the right tools, and a shift in perspective – it can be a lot of fun! After all, we’re travelling to create memorable experiences, aren’t we?
[1] Smithsonian Magazine, Why are Crafts Good for Kids?
[2] Common Sense Media, The Common Sense Census