Fear of flying...

[Marseeya]

How do you get over a fear of flying?

My DD (10) is saying that she doesn't want to go to WDW with us next June because she's scared to death to fly! She's never flown before, and I keep reassuring her, but she just keeps saying that she's scared the plane will crash and she won't go with us.

Keep in mind, my DD is normally very fearless.

I have to admit, I'm squeamish about flying myself. I haven't flown since the mid-90s.

 

[anewvance]

Aww poor thing. Usually the airline staff is very helpful when it comes to kids with fears of flying. Until then, keep reassuring her that big airlines don't go down often... unfortunate you stand a better chance of getting into a car crash then being in a plane crash.

 

[JESW]

Not that this is the thing to tell a 10 year old, but I figure that if I am on aplane with DH and the two kids and the plane crashes, well, the odds are that we are ALL going to die. If we are in a car crash it might not be the same. (I know, gruesome thoughts, but I don't like to fly either)

What airline are you flying? SONG has the tv screens built into the back of the seats in front of you so you can watch tv or listen to music the entire flight. We bring our own headphones instead of using the cheap ones they provide. It is a great distraction. SONG is no longer after may 2006, but Delta flights should have them and other airlines would benfit to have them.

Whenever I hear a strange noise I look to the flight attendants. If they are continuing going about their business then I know that the noise was "normal" and nothing to worry about. Maybe try to get seats more to the front of the plane as I don't think you feel as much turbulence.

I still pack airplane bags for my kids and they are now 6 and 11. Their carry-on bags have surprises such as books, magazines, candy, drawing pads, new markers, etc. that they can only open on the plane. We are fortunate to go to Disney 2x a year so it is getting harder to think of things to pack, but my oldest likes to go to the used game store and pick a new to him game for his gameboy to play during vacation. Try to think of things your daughter might like. She may be surprised and LIKE to fly. One of my nieces is 20 and just went on her very first flight and can't wait to go again.

Good luck!

Jill

 

[PrincessPatty]

I would check with your doctor. My sister gets hives just from talking about flying. When I went to the dr. office, he checked my vitals and was like wow, your pulse is racing just talking to me about it! He prescribed me 10 xanax pills to take before and during the flight. It helped so much, and I needed to get some help cause I wasnt missing a trip to Disney!

 

[Nickunited]

I used to be afraid of flying and to get over it I told myself

1) I want to see Mickey Mouse

2) Thousands upon Thousands of planes come and go every day! It really helps if you think of it that way.

I am over my fear because I convinced myself of #2 - well - that and between work and dating long distance - I kind of had no choice!

 

[Hercules10]

Normally I'd say booze. But I don't think that's an option with a 10 year old.

Tell her she has to fly with the family because if she doesn't the plane won't be balanced and it will definately crash without her....that lie worked on me.

 

[Megster]

I'm scared of flying too. Before I get on the plane I always remind myself of those weird flying facts (like I have a better chance of getting into a car accident). I also get motion sick so I usually take dramamine (sp?) and that puts me to sleep for the flight so that always helps.

I think they only thing you can do is reassure her that though it is a possibility the chances of actually getting into an accident are very slim.

 

[Bob Slydell]

Alcohol

Oh, wait, she's 10? Nevermind

Darn, Hercules beat me to it.

 

[Pamlur]

My granddaughter was very anxious before she flew the first time; she's a natural worrier. We kept reassuring her, and telling her she was going to have a great time, but she was still worried.

As we got on the plane, she was with me and I pointed out the cockpit and told her that's where the pilot sat who drove the plane. The pilots heard me, turned around, and asked her if she'd like to see the cockpit. Little Miss "cling to mommy's skirts because I am sooooo shy" said "Yes" and sailed right on in. She proceeded to tell them about all the places her mommy and daddy had gone, and they all became best friends. We changed planes in Atlanta, and as we were talking down the concourse, her "new best friends" passed us and all waved to her. From that time on, she's loved to fly; hopefully, something magical will happen with your daughter, too.

 

[DawnCt1]

My 8 year old nephew is a very anxious boy and he gets little consolation from his mother because she is equally anxious. Prior to the trip he expressed a lot of fear of flying. I told him that flying was more fun than being at WDW, and we would have a great time and then I changed the subject. Every time I saw him, I told him I couldn' wait to fly in the plane that it was the best part, etc. I didn't explore with him why he was afraid, his thoughts on what would happen, etc. I think it just reinforces the fear. When we got on the plane, he was fine. When we got to WDW, I found out that he was terrified of thunderstorms. It started to cloud up during one of the parades and he started crying. I started a conversation with a couple of 3 year olds and he was too embarrassed to cry. Again, his anxious mother reinforced all of these fears. By the middle of the trip he was knocking on my door and saying, "Auntie Dawn, there's a thunderstorm coming, lets sit outside and wait for it". I don't think one needs to understand a fear to overcome it.

 

[Joanna71985]

I'm 20 and I HATE flying. The last time I flew was for my band trip in 2003 and I almost had a heart attack. Now I'm flying down in January and I know I have to get over it. Otherwise I can't see Mickey!