The moment you buy the plane ticket, children live in fear, worried by the idea of taking a plane.
For this reason, here are some guidelines that will make it easier for you to take your child on a plane for the first time:
- First of all, remember that in children’s minds the plane is basically a colourful winged drawing in a sketchbook or a little toy they fly by themselves. The truth about it might frighten them and leave them feeling unsafe.
- Begin by using a picture to explain the details of the plane’s interior to your child, making them more familiar with its appearance.
- Explain to them that this giant bird has to make a huge effort to take off from the airport, which makes it tremble before it moves into the air. And “we might feel some shaking because of that”.
- Inform them that flying the plane into the air might result in turbulence, so “we will swing a little inside it, but there’s no need to be scared”.
- You can also help properly represent the process of takeoff. Seat your child in a chair and shake it; it will make you both laugh, and it will give your child an idea of what happens on board the plane.
- Describe for them the scene they should expect to see in the sky: the splendour of the surrounding clouds and the fact that “the buildings get very small”. Imagining all these things while your child is still at home makes it easier for them to digest what is happening later, when you’re in the air.
- And on the “big day”, talk about what is waiting for you at your destination on the way to the airport, since that may distract them from worry or fear.
- You can also tell them about the electronic games waiting for them on board the airplane “in their special seat”, and you may yet have an enjoyable trip with your little prince or princess.