Kids on planes...

[Crl1817]

Just FYI, Benadryl hypes my youngest up. If you want to try Benadryl, I'd try it out at home first.

On the noise front, ds had the peltor kids ear muffs and we used them for public bathrooms and movies and Major League Baseball games at that age. He didn't need them for airplanes and never complained about the noise on planes, but they were a godsend for the times he did need them.

 

[Madame]

Anything wrapped won't make it through security. It will either be unwrapped or confiscated. That is why the TSA always tells people around the holidays to NOT wrap gifts.

I am so glad you mentioned this! I didn't even think about security. I haven't flown since 2000. We have thought about Benadryl but it is not for use in children under 6 in Canada, but I was thinking maybe some children's gravol... I didn't know that about lavender but I use rosemary oil myself and find that calming so I will check the lavender out!

 

[Sparkly]

I used to be afraid of the turbulence, but I was reassured that turbulence doesn't mean the plane is going to fall out of the sky (that's impossible)- it's just a normal part of flying on a plane.

 

[Patience]

Honestly, I would take him to the pediatrician and explain the problem. A lot of adults take medication before getting on planes due to anxiety and with your son's anxiety being so severe, I wouldn't want to take the chance of getting to the airport on trip day and then having him refuse to get on the plane and/or melt down. I don't know what, if anything, a pediatrician would advise but I think it's worth talking to him or her just in case. I would ask about nonprescription medications (Dramamine or melatonin, for example) as well as prescription ones but never give any medication unless the doctor okays it. Maybe there is something that could help. Or maybe not. I think it's worth a phone call to the doc though.

 

[anniemae]

talk with the childs pediatrician about options.

I love the idea of going to the airport. I bought an airplane toy for my dd when she was young. It was "little people" brand I think. It is an airplane and it makes noises and "announcements" like a real airplane when you push the buttons.

Maybe try to find a youtube video of a takeoff and or landing from inside the plane, flight attendant speech etc. I think if your child knows the drill he may be less anxious.

I just checked youtube and you can search for "takeoffs from inside the plane" and "flight attendant announcements" It gives a good feel for the plane, and the noise etc.

 

[Roobear77]

We have thought about Benadryl but it is not for use in children under 6 in Canada, but I was thinking maybe some children's gravol...

This is actually not true. Benadryl is an antihistamine, and approved for use in children under 2, and even yonger than that under the advice of a physician. It's the number 1 go to for allergic reactions. Cold medications such as BenaLYN and things like that are what are banned here for kids under 6.

Whether you are considering Benadryl or Gravol, test it at home first. Some children with have what is called a paradoxical reaction to both of those, which causes among other things excitability. A friend of mine made the mistake of not testing and gave her 2.5 year old Benadryl before flying to Scotland. It. Was. Ugly.

 

[nancipants]

He's terrified of thunderstorms & has gotten used to the lawn mower but won't go near it when it's running, sigh.

I don't mean to worry you even further, but have you also considered his reaction to storms? Thunderstorms are frequent in late August and can be quite loud. You can check the weather frequently to try avoid being at the park when they happen, but many times they come out of nowhere. If you have earmuffs or earplugs for your son, definitely bring them with you to the park in case you get stuck during a storm.

 

[Madame]

I don't mean to worry you even further, but have you also considered his reaction to storms? Thunderstorms are frequent in late August and can be quite loud. You can check the weather frequently to try avoid being at the park when they happen, but many times they come out of nowhere. If you have earmuffs or earplugs for your son, definitely bring them with you to the park in case you get stuck during a storm.

Yes I think I really do need to look into sound-cancelling earmuffs. I can usually calm him down & distract him during storms & have planned mostly 1/2 days at the parks to try to avoid being out in a storm. Hopefully we get lucky & the storms will be brief. I'm going to carry his earphones & load my phone with his music as well - that usually helps at home. Thank goodness we are driving down when we go to Miami in Dec-I'd hate to lose Dec priced airfare if it doesn't go well in August!

 

[Simba07]

Some folks also use children's dramine (motion sickness med). It relaxes a lot of children and is at least appropriate to the circumstances.

 

[CFioren317]

Drive.

 

[motherof2boys]

Check out
https://www.massport.com/logan-airport/about-logan/airport-programs/wings-for-autism/
(Please don't think I'm assuming your child is on the Autism Spectrum!) I work in an Integrated Preschool & one of our children was wearing a shirt from this program last week. I asked him a few questions then went home & goggled it for more details. It looks like an amazing program!

I would start with your pediatrician if you decide to try Benadrly or even for suggestions. Then I'd call the airport & see if they offer any type of program such as Wings for Autism.

Lastly, you know your child best, so go with what you think will be best for him.

I personally don't bribe often but I'm not going to pretend I've never done it. Our first trip my youngest loved reading the Park Maps. It was adorable until he told us he couldn't go on Winnie the Pooh b/c it might be frightening to small children. He was 5! We couldn't get to him to go on anything. Yet, he'd been to amusement parks & loved rides. So I bribed him. And it worked he went on every ride & loved them!

Good luck & I hope you have a great trip!

 

[bdoyledimou]

I found taking my son on a few bus trips, and then equating the plane as a really big fast bus -- worked. (don't mention the plane flies)

when on the bus equate the wait with the waiting room, selecting your seats -- sitting quietly, looking out the window and seeing the people outside ---

also as others said -- talk to your doctor!!!

 

[TheRustyScupper]

. . . Anyone ever dealt with kids with anxiety issues like this? Any tips or tricks would be really appreciated-I figure if I have a plan it'll stop ME from be so anxious!
TIA

1) After 50,000 to 70,000 air miles per year, we have seen a lot of this.
2) It seems parents who are famliar with Benjamin have little ones who fare bets.
3) You know, Ben E. Dryl.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

Bribery or positive reinforcements ?

Test any meds once before using.

Talk to your pediatrician.

All good advice.

 

[MaryKatesMom]

At 5 yrs Benadryl usually does not have a paradoxical reaction, that is 3 and under but give it to him an hour before his usual bedtime.

 

[Gottahavemorecowbell]

If loud noises bothers him, sit as close to the front of the plane as possible. Avoid the wings and the seats directly around them at all costs. Those are very loud. Noise canceling headphones, while expensive, are a godsend.

Good point. However, sitting as far away as possible from the wings also tends to be worse when it gets a bit choppy. That doesn't mean you won't feel some turbulence sitting near the wing but if I remember correctly you are flying out of Detroit Metro airport. They run mostly 757's to Florida. Especially the stretch 300 version. If you are on one of those bad boys, this may be something to consider. Even in light to moderate turbulence, sitting in the very back is not pleasant at all on that beast.

 

[SpringSprite]

check with your pediatrician of course, but I have to second (third, fourth?) Benadryl. Our dr. recommended it, worked like a charm.

I would also try it out at home first! (also recommended to us) - but who knows, they might recommended something more potent, if you fear the anxiety will be severe.

 

[Madame]

I will definitely talk to our paediatrician about giving him Benadyrl. Thanks everyone for the suggestions! Hopefully he'll surprise us and handle it well. Probably be me white knuckling it - I keep watching Mayday reruns on the Discovery Channel (my husband says I have to stop because I am freaking myself out!). Fingers crossed!

 

[emilyrush]

Our local childrens museum has basically an airplane cut in half with air plane seats/ over head bins, etc. Perhaps a visit there would be an idea too.

 

[pooh2001]

No window seat - maybe best seat is to sit between Mom and Dad for comfort

Ditto on visiting an airport - tell the airline staff the issue in advance of a visit to the airport. they may have a fear of flying program or wonderful suggestions.

Yes, please talk to your Pediatrician and go to your library for a good children's book on plane flights:

Young Eagles Armor Academy, Volume 1: Fear of Flying
by Hugo Montes
and
Graham the Gargoyle: Fear of Flying
by Brian Clopper, Brian Clopper (Illustrator), Michelle Clopper (Editor), Katrina Morgan (Editor)

All good advice from other pp's