Flying can be a daunting experience for children and many become overwhelmed by their fear of it. The good news is that there are ways to help your child deal with their fear of flying and make it a fun, enjoyable experience. In this article, we’ll explore strategies and tips to help you handle your child’s fear of flying and turn it into an adventure. You’ll learn how to prepare your child before the flight, activities to keep them distracted during the flight, and ways to help them manage their fear or anxiety. With a little preparation, your child can have a pleasant and safe flight experience.
Reassure and educate child
It’s normal to feel scared before flying, so try to reassure your child that they are safe and everything will be okay. Educate them on the plane’s safety features and explain the process of flying in a way that they can understand.
Talk about positive experiences
Talking to your child about positive experiences they may have had with flying can help them to feel more comfortable. Maybe they’ve been on a flight before and can talk about the fun activities they did or the things they saw out the window.
Listen to calming music
Listening to calming music can help to relax the mind and body before and during a flight. Playing calming music such as classical, jazz or ambient music can help to reduce anxiety and create a more peaceful atmosphere.
Read stories about flying
Reading stories about flying can help children face their fear by shining a light on how other kids have been able to conquer their anxiety and have a positive experience.
Distract with games/activities
Bring activities that your child can do to stay distracted during the flight, such as coloring books, puzzles or video games. Providing these activities can help to keep your child entertained while they are in the air.
Focus on end destination
Help your child focus on the end destination – a joyous family vacation, a fun-filled weekend getaway, a much-needed escape from the everyday grind – and let that be their motivation to overcome their fear of flying.
