While we were on our trip, the news about how a man reacted because a child was screaming on a flight was circulating. My fear of travelling with my Terrific Two year old started all over again because the truth is sometimes there is nothing you can do about these blow outs. Think about it. In most cases a child usually has space to run around the house or the playground, kick a ball, jump, throw things, do messy play etc. Then suddenly they are cramped in a tiny space for so long and they aren’t allowed to touch, stretch or play! It is only natural for them to sometimes act up. Anyway, I braved it and if you ask me, I’ll do it all over again. (Despite the hiccups) I’ll just plan better.
Here are 7 Things I learnt from our Trip
1. Toddlers and Tantrums are 5 & 6 particularly In those terrific Twos! – Use the EPP Strategy – Expect it, Plan for it, Prepare for it.
There is a reason why it is called “Terrible Twos” as much as we rebrand it to ” Terrific Twos”, the truth is, this is the peak of them trying to express themselves with not many words and they are probably just learning to regulate. One single change in routine and environment can be a lot for them!
Instead of getting worked up about it, make plans ahead and be prepared for all the worst case scenarios. Please keep in mind that sometimes all your best and well laid plans could go south! I packed all the toys and books and other things you can imagine alas, my boy was still cranky but that’s because we disrupted his sleep to catch a very early morning flight. Eventually I found a way to soothe and just cuddle him. He slept towards the end of our trip into Poland and we landed just in time for Naptime.
2. The most important person that needs to be calm and in the right frame of mind is YOU!
Even though it was really tiring for me and I’m sure people were wondering why this child and exhausted mother were disturbing the peace of the place, I didn’t care. My mind was in the right place. I wasn’t feeling embarrassed that my son is being a child. I didn’t look around to observe the ugly stares. I faced my son and did my best to calm him down. I empathised with him and I knew exactly what was wrong so none of the stares from people affected me. I focused solely on my son. I knew his brain wasn’t mature enough for me to start explaining why he can’t have his nap time..so I just waited it out. Thankfully, when we were about to Board, he has calmed down. The most important person who should regulate is you and because I knew what was wrong, I was disturbed.
Some of the things I already know that helped my mind be in the right place are:
- My son is not doing this to spite me or embarrass me. He’s just two years old. He’s not 5 or 6 yet. He just needs something that I can’t give him right now.
- His brain is still maturing and unable to know when we are in a place where he shouldn’t be loud. However he will learn it with time.
- This blow out won’t last for long. I just need to figure out how to calm him down or figure out what he really needs and wait it out.
3.Ensure your toddler is well rested and before travelling. This is no news right? But guess what I miscalculated!
I made the mistake of missing his nap time thinking he would sleep on the way to the airport because he was actually already dozing off anyway by the time we checked in and all the long security checks, he was wide awake! And yes it was catastrophic! Full Blown screaming tantrum! Poor boy just wanted his dark room, windows shut, curtains down, mummy beside him for cuddles, but unfortunately we were stuck in a packed waiting room.
4. Screen time on a Flight doesn’t count says the Mom who needs her peace and quiet through the flight *winks*
Trust me I am fully aware of all the Pros and Cons of Screen Time. But you see, if that’s what will get this young man seated for a considerable time frame, I shall be using it! So yes! I included watching cartoons on the trip. I downloaded Cartoons on Netflix so we could watch without internet access. A Life Saver!
5. Window Seat works all the time! & If possible give your seat partner Heads Up
If you can get that window seat, please do. This worked for us as he was only interfacing with the window and not pulling someone’s dress or hair lol. Also, If you can, have a chat with your seat partner and let them know ahead of a possible blow out. In most cases, HUMAN BEINGS will understand. Aliens and Robots might not have the capacity to process that information so if your seat partner gives a funny face, just know they are ALIENS or ROBOTS and they don’t live in a real world where children cry or have tantrums. For me, I explained to the person sitting beside me – Hi, so sorry for the noise. He’s been up since 5:30am because we needed to catch up on this flight. He’ll sleep soon. Thankfully they were both understanding and yup, they have kids and they understood the situation. So you see they were Human beings. P.S – If you’re reading this and you don’t have kids yet or there’s a child crying on a plane, please be kind and human. Don’t be an Alien.
6. Take High Priority, extremely loved Toys.
There are at least 1 or 2 toys your child will never resist or once they see will light them up no matter the tears. Please make sure to pack those toys. My son loves numbers and a particular alphabet book. The moment I brought out those two, he was calm.
7. For Solo Trips like Mom and Son or Daughter and Mom where you don’t have an extra hand to help, TRAVEL LIGHT!
We had just 1 backpack for me and a small one for my baby boy. However mine was quite full and heavy. I certainly won’t be doing this next time. I can always get the things I need when I get to my destination.
Wishing you a stress-free, I’m prepared for it even if there’s a tantrum Trip with your Toddler!
With Love, Morolake