Almost 4 year old is scared to fly, help!

[nuts4wdw]

My little boy is scared to death to fly. Mentioning the trip almost puts him in tears because he is so afraid. We are coming from Idaho so driving is impossible. He told us to go have fun at disneyworld and he would stay home because he is so afraid. We've looked at plane books, talked about getting "magic" ear plugs, watched cartoons about planes. He is afraid his ears will hurt and that the airplane will crash. We did benedryl to help ease ear pain and anxiety last trip and it didn't phase him at all. I don't know what else to do. So if on May 6th you are flying and see a screaming 3.5 year old that will be us. Help what can I do?

 

[Hannathy]

I'd be investigating where he got the idea the plane will crash. Did someone say something off handedly that he heard? Once you find out why he is so afraid you can start to deal with it. Ie if Grandma said something have her take it back and say she was wrong etc. You sound like you are trying everything, it may be time to just say planes are safe mommy and daddy would never take you anywhere they didn't think was safe but we are flying and you are going and that is it and then drop it for a long time.

 

[missymagic]

I feel you hurt. All you can do is reassure him that is is completely safe and that he has been on one before and nothing happened. Maybe take a couple small new prizes or snacks on the plane to try to take his mind off of it.

 

[missymagic]

I feel you hurt. All you can do is reassure him that is is completely safe and that he has been on one before and nothing happened. Maybe take a couple small new prizes or snacks on the plane to try to take his mind off of it.

If he goes to preschool maybe talk to his teacher and they can talk as a class about planes and flying.

 

[isla bonita]

My daughter does not like to fly. We have done everything to ease her state. We let her pack her own back pack and take what ever she chooses to bring for her comfort. Most items seem strange to us but whatever it takes. We fly twice a year and every time it has gotten easier. I think that is the ticket. It has become second nature for us to go and she is becoming desensitized to us flying. I know not every one can take a plane that often.
She was in her preschool and her teacher was saying during rug time that one of theother children was going to china on a plane and was wondering what it would be like for her. Knowing that my daughter had just come home she was first asked. Her reply was "I didn't cry on the plane this time". Thought that was cute.

 

[mouseplanner]

Looks like distraction is going to be your best option. The above suggestions are great. I am an anxious flyer as well and music always help distract me. Perhaps a personal CD player with some soothing music or his favorite music might help (or surprise him with a favorite book on CD or some Disney music). We are also flying on May 6th (to WL) and it will be my kids first plane ride - I may find myself in your shoes as well! See you there!