Afraid to Fly

I try not to unnecessarily medicate my kids, but if you think you need to, I would talk to your pediatrician first. Many kids have an adverse reaction or it has no effect. Before we flew for the first time we went to the library and rented several books about flying and read them the week or so before we went. I took a DVD player, lots of new activities and books and treats (which my son did not often get at home). Try to make it an adventure and turn it into a game. We tell my son we are going on a hunt and we need to find (some object). Hopefully that will get you through.

i would give a dose of benadryl it will help put him at eaze maybe even put him to sleep if you have access to a dvd player buy all mean bring it along with a few dvd .i know sometime the pilot will take small kids around and show them all the cool stuff well good luck hope you have a enjoyable flight

Call your pediatrician, he/she can give you a prescription that will help him relax.

I would ask him why he is afraid. It may be that he saw a tv news report about airplanes (ie, 9/11) or even a cartoon that shows airplane trouble. Don't assume, just ask him what it is that is worrying him. It might be something as simple as where do you go potty on the plane, or worry about climbing a flight of stairs to get on the plane. Play up the fun, the stewardess will be able to give him "wings" if you ask. Have him help you shop for and pack snacks and games to play on the plane. You might want to buy prepackaged snacks to help with security issues. Let him pick out his own "carry on" with all of his stuff.

Otherwise, don't talk about possible concerns in front of him (lost luggage, etc). I would play down the whole airplane thing and talk about the end destination thing. Also, maybe contact some of your friends who have kids his age, who have flown. Get the kids together and casually start talking about how excited you are in front of the kids, maybe the other 5 yr old will talk about how great the flight and vacation was to your son. But be careful it is not too contrived or he will be on to you.

I have a 13 yr old son who is a worrier to the max! When he was your son's age, these are things that have worked for us when we have faced "scary things". I hope that they work for you. I will be praying for you too.

R.~
I don't have any ideas...but I'll pray along with you!! :) Maybe he'll get so wrapped up in the new experiences and the airport, he'll forget all about his fears!
~L.

R.,
Try dramamine works wonders....just adjust the dosage!!!
good luck on ur flight
Tam

Hi R.,

We just got back from flying and it was a lot better than I thought. My children weren't afraid to fly, but the whole trip thing was anxiety producing for them. To distract them, I went to Target's dollar section and got some new activities for them to do. Right now they have some educational flash cards(math, state capitals, presidents), glitter glue and coloring activities. They were kept busy with the activities and snacks and then we were there.

Wrap up the new things like presents and let him open them on the plane. I'm sure he'll be excited. I also let my kids pick out a snack to pack and I let them have pop from the plane which they normally can't have. I let them pick juice boxes because we normally don't buy them and they were confiscated. OOPS!

Good luck! Otherwise, I think the other ladies are right. Look into a relaxer from your doctor.