HELP! My child is scared to fly

[kandb]

We fly now, after years of driving and it is so much easier. I didn't really like to fly at all but it gets easier, the more you do it. My ds had a fear of heights and was an anxious flier but now it doesn't bother him. The last bumpy flight we had, I kept telling myself that I never heard of a plane crash because of turbulence. Maybe show him some you tube videos on what inside a plane looks like. Maybe ask the doctor if he can take some Benadryl, if it relaxes him. Good luck.

 

[trinitys4]

As others have said, distractions help. Now that you no longer have to power down personal devices that are under 1lb, I strongly suggest bringing your ipad, ipod, or other device that you can have games loaded on them for your child to keep busy with. Be sure the volume is turned off, and you will be golden.

Also, what I find when traveling nearly one million miles in the past decade is children don't care so much for how loud takeoff can be. Talk to your child about how loud the plane can be when in all actuality, the noise is nowhere near what it used to be on planes of the 70s. My children were laughing at me when the plane took off this past summer and both said the noise was nothing more than me mashing on the gas getting on the interstate on a short onramp.

Good luck and have fun with the experience!

 

[kelconic]

I feel your pain:/. My oldest (11) is afraid to fly. We are driving from virginia but if we had decided to fly I was definitely going to talk to our doctor about having something to calm her. I don't generally like to give my kids medicine but this is one situation I would go for it, rather than risk a panic attack! Also, I have given her all of the logical reasons and statistics about how safe flying is but she says she doesn't really care lol!

 

[chewysmom]

Something that *may* help is Bach's Rescue Remedy. I give it to my dd (now 13) everytime we go to the dentist b/c of a previous traumatic dental visit. It doesn't make you feel drugged at all, just calmer. (although my coworker picks on me b/c it has a high percentage of alcohol in it. You only give 3 drops under their tongue, on their wrist or you can mix it in a drink. )

I've taken it myself to ward off panic attacks. It's homeopathic and does not interfere w/ any RX meds.

Just something to think about. You can get it from ebay or vitacost.

I totally get where your little dude is coming from-I would sob too if someone told me I was flying somewhere. *shudders* Good luck, and I hope you end up having a great time-and that this just becomes something you all can look back on and chuckle about. :

 

[js]

My grandson is 13 and does not like to fly. However, he has flown with us several times. He wants to sit on the aisle or middle seat only. When we take off or land, someone has to hold his hand and talk to him. After we are up in the air he is OK. On flights now you do not have to turn off your electronic devices, so your child could listen to music or play a game during the flight. Hope this helps you.

I agree about the music or use of headphones for movies. I HATE flying, well really not flying but crashing, and the headphones help SOOOOO much! I have expensive noise reduction headphones that I use for the full plane ride. Its amazing that it blocks out all the airplane sound. I cannot stand listening to the engine and everything else and it helps me tremendously.

Good luck. I fly since I want to go places but Ive always hated it and my family cannot stand to sit with me (I also can cry lol) but the headphones do help and I would suggest getting a good pair. One good or bad experience for your son will set the tone for your transportation for many, many years.

 

[js]

As a very terrible and nervous flyer I also want to mention to please distract your son while walking onto the plane. When I walk on from the tunnel and step onto the plane I feel terribly claustrophobic but it subsides and then I have other things to worry about lol. Also maybe a travel blanket so he can cover himself with it. I would love to sit all covered up but I think that would be it for my family and they would begin to take separate flights than I. lol