Kids on planes...

[DakotaRose]

Dramamine Kids chewables given 30 mins before flight. Wears off in 4-6 hours, and often contributes to a good nap. Ask the pharmacist for it, as I've rarely seen it out on the store shelves in my locale. You don't need to sign for it or anything.

 

[erin327]

My 7 year old does fine flying, but has issues with loud noises. Disney World is a very noisy place. Fireworks, shows, parades... It seems like all of their sounds are very loud, especially when traveling with someone who is bothered by loud noises. The noise cancellation headphones were a great comfort to her on our last trip. She liked knowing she wouldn't have to worry about "it" being loud. If he is asking about the airplane being noisy, I would get a set of the headphones and carry them in the park with you.

 

[stackyallred]

I just want to share (as someone else has) that benadryl CAN have the opposite effect than expected. DS 4 is very hyper by nature (as most four year old boys are) but his every day energy is nothing compared to the two times he has taken benadryl for an allergic reaction. We actually avoid all food coloring now because they seem to cause him behavioral issues (such as sleep disturbances and anger, which are usually a no-issue)- so perhaps it was just the food dye in the medication, but I just wanted to chime in that IF you felt the need to go that route, you may want to reconsider using it on the day of the flight if you've never given it to him before.

Anytime we fly or drive, I have a a big bag of "busy activities" that I have made/put together. Look up "busy bags" or "activities for preschoolers when flying" on Pinterest and you can find tons of ideas. Having new things to distract DS has always kept him happy and entertained. They may not help with the initial anxiety but they may help him feel comfortable once you are in the air.

 

[mrsksomeday]

I don't want him to miss out on things he'd enjoy because he's too scared to try! I don't mind searching out calmer attractions for him in the parks - I'm more of a low-key ride person myself so I'll take him to more m&g and shows. I think distraction is the way to go on the plane, not sure about meds though...

I also suggest going online and watching youtube "Point of View" videos for the attractions. This way he can see what the ride is like and won't be worried about what "might" happen.

Another thing you could do is write some social stories about the trip. We go to the airport and this will happen, we go to the resort and this will happen, etc. That way he has an idea of what will be going on.

 

[Networth]

Hope your son does ok, and you have a great trip.

 

[pork]

I just took my "mildly autistic" son on a plane to wdw for the first time. I was freaked out about it myself.

Honestly after months of nervousness it was fine. Detroits about the same distance as I traveled. I had one issue with my son kicking the seats and other then that the trip was great. Just remind yourself it's a short trip with a amazing vacation involved and you'll be fine.

 

[kymomof2]

I have twin girls that are 8 1/2. My one daughter is still terrified of everything, thunderstorms, everything seems too loud for her. We will be flying to Disney in November and I have already talked to my pediatrician. She said first start out by teaching relaxing techniques. Have your child take a deep breathe in and when they blow out have him spell his name. My daughters name is Sam, deep breathe in, release and say S, deep breathe in, release and say A. Try different words, it helps them keep their minds off of what they are scared of. Then the next suggestion was to show You Tube videos of what an airplane looks like inside and what it looks like taking off and landing. Take a visit to the airport. A lot of encouragement on how fun it will be. I believe most airlines will give the kids a special pin for the first time flying (you can call the airlines to ask if they anything special).ll

I am also bringing the cheap ear plugs from Target for the night of the fireworks. Make sure you have a lollipop to suck on while taking off to prevent the ears from popping.

Good luck. Our pediatrician just said to start talking about now. Make sure you talk about it everyday just for a couple of minutes. If it becomes a real problem to even talk about it you may want to call your pediatrician.

 

[BuzzinDownToDisney]

Then the next suggestion was to show You Tube videos of what an airplane looks like inside and what it looks like taking off and landing.

Also a good strategy for kids with trepidation about rides. You can find full ride throughs on YT so they can see in advance exactly what is going to happen and how the ride will not suddenly get scary for them.

 

[kymomof2]

Also a good strategy for kids with trepidation about rides. You can find full ride throughs on YT so they can see in advance exactly what is going to happen and how the ride will not suddenly get scary for them.

Absolutely! We have been doing that with both the girls and they love it. The more they see the rides and you talk them through letting them know it is not real the more comfortable they feel (I am hoping)! We have been looking at the Dinosaur Ride over and over.