How to fly with kids

With my family living halfway across country, the kids at this point in their life have made a few plane rides.  I can count the bad moments on one hand and the good moments on the other hand.  Basically if you go in prepared and with absolutely no expectations you will be fine.

It’s also obvious that the older the kids get the easier it gets to some extent.

Tip #1: As soon as you get into your seat, take out everything you think you’ll need for the kids from the bag and put it in that backseat pocket for easy access.

Tip #2: Always always always pack an additional set of clothes everything from socks to underwear.   I swear the drinks on the tray tables just hop into the children’s lap sometimes.

Tip #3:  For the love of all that is holy, relax.   Kids feed off of nervous energy can sense when you’re stressed.

Tip #4:  Download a few episodes of their favorite TV show (or Movie) so that they can watch this when the device is in airplane mode. Also make sure you have the right headphone adapter and or headphones for that device... this was my personal mistake this past time!

Tip # 5: Try and get the kids to say hello to the flight attendants, especially the ones that greet you when you walk on the plane.  Bonus if the pilot is standing there too.  Some of my worst situations on flights it has been the flight attendants that have really come to my rescue.  Or it has been a way to distract them by talking about the pilot they saw when boarding.

 As far as what to pack, the list is quite simple:  1 to 2 of their top toys, 1 to 2 of their top snacks, crayons, small coloring books, sticker books, activity books etc., and their favorite book.  Safe travels!

How to Eat While Traveling: Kids Version

I recently mentioned to my husband that I’d love to take the kids traveling internationally, but I asked him “what in the world would we feed them!?”  The voracious eaters they are, main entrees are luncheables, Campbell’s chicken soup, and velveeta Mac and cheese cups, chicken nuggets, with some pasta and meatballs thrown in for good measure.

 We were able to experience the confines of their limited diet when we visited San Antonio over the holidays.  I can’t believe I am admitting this, but I think one of my favorite restaurant experiences on the Riverwalk was at the Rainforest Café.  They had a kids menu that the children loved and the atmosphere kept them entertained so that I could finish my Coronita.

 At one point during the trip we went into a little market store and I unashamedly grabbed bags of Cheetos and Doritos.   The last night, we ended up ordering room service just for the children and it was one of the best decisions we made on that trip.

Probably one of the worst decisions I made on that trip was forgetting to stop at a grocery store before we got to downtown San Antonio to stock up on shelf-staples for them to nosh on.   Also I think I discovered the value of microwave and fridge in the room and a free continental breakfast in the morning at a hotel.   I knew that going in and chose a great price and location over those two amenities.

 To say all that though, I think we are still going to take the kids on an international trip this year.   I will be putting some extra thought and planning however into ensuring the list of main entrées will be on hand easily accessible!