HELP! Child afraid of flying....

[lray]

I originally posted on transporation, but didn't get any responses.

I've made all the arrangements to take my 8 yr old niece to WDW in 4 wks, invited her last month, but now she's extremely nervous/upset about flying (my sister-in-law found her sobbing in bed last night). She stated that she wants to go to WDW so bad, but does not want to fly - she's afraid of the plane crashing. Any suggestions???

 

[LeahA]

I can sympathize with the little girl, I am also afraid to fly. What I tell myself before I leave is how safe travelling in an airplane really is.

When I get on the plane I say "Hello" to the Pilot and Co-Pilot.

Make sure to bring some of her favorite things from home, music and headphones, favorite snacks, and also some magazines with alot of pictures. These things will all take her mind off of the flight.

Sometimes people will get motion sickness, maybe there is a children's dramamine or something similar. I know when I get on the plane I get a little lightheaded and nauseated, that triggers my brain to start to panic.

The worse thing to do is to not acknowledge her fear. Alot of time I as an adult get very frustrated and upset because some people just don't understand the fear I have.

Good luck to you and your niece!

 

[MouseLover]

To prepare my daughter for our plane trip two years ago, we made frequent (weekly) trips to the airport and parked where we could watch and hear the planes. (our airport is small, so this was easy to do) At first we just watched, then we rolled down our windows so she could hear the engines, and by the time our trip came around she was not afraid. She walked like a big girl on the plane and never cried or appeared frightened the whole trip. She was only 2.5yo at the time. This may help with an older one as well.

Disneyland 1982
WDW:
Off-Site:
Aug. 1983, May 1985, May 1987, Oct. 1996
Polynesian July 1999
March 2001--Buena Vista Suites

 

[minEEmoz]

Would the airline be any help? Maybe they have booklets for kids on flying?

I think going to the airport is a good idea, too. She could see how many people fly and watch the planes.

 

[HeatherPage]

I can definitely sympathize, I am also afraid to fly probably irrationally I know, but between that and my fear of Tornados (guess its a good thing I don't live in Tornado Alley). Do me a favor, once you are seated, check out the reading material in the little holders in the back of the seat in front of you before she does. The first time I flew I picked up a Conde Nast magazine expecting to read soothing articles of Hawaii or other exotic places and the first page I opened to had a picture of a plane split in half on a runway after a crash, not exactly a reassuring article to have on a plane for someone who didn't want to fly to begin with. So check out the magazines before she gets a hold of one just in case. Also I never realized what turbulence was and that it was a common thing, but the gentleman next to me (I was flying alone for the first time at 19) who was a frequent business travler kept assuring me it was normal, so maybe if you can have someone explain that to her so she'll know to expect it. Also when the planes take off and land and you hear the engines rev very loudly, you may want to let her know about that ahead of time. Good luck, I hope the suggestions on these boards help!

-Heather

If you wish hard enough your dreams can come true!

 

[padams]

Have her mom help you pack a backpack full of items to keep your niece entertained-a walkman with tapes, a gameboy, a book, some jelly pens and paper (just trying to think of things my 9 year old goddaughter likes), snacks, drink, etc. Pack some of her things, but buy a couple of new items. I hate to fly, but if I am occupied, then it is easier. Good luck. Pamela

 

[kimartyraye@att.net]

I posted my Own fear of flying on the Transportation boards. Sometimes you may have to "bump" to get someone to reply.

Anyway, because of my irrational fear of flying, heights, claustrophobia, etc., I've bought my 3yoDD many things to do on the plane (3 hr flight), all new, so DH & 13yoDS will not have a problem handling her during my somewhat expected but, not looking forward to, panic attack!

Since YOU have no fear, the new items may be consoling to your niece. Ask your bro & sil what her favorite characters are and also what characters/shows she likes but doesn't get enough of. Those can be the best. ie; sticker books, travel magna-doodle, crayons and paper/coloring books. MY list goes on and on!

My 3yo DD has not exhibited any reluctance to traveling on a plane but, I'M worried about ME and my ability to care for her if I'm not doing well!

Give her some Disney pics to carry also! A look at what she's about to see might get her mind off of the fear. Her mom & dad should also be reassuring her about this trip. BTW, do THEY want her to go? That may be some part of the problem, too!
Have a great Trip!