How to Prepare a 3-Year-Old for His First Airplane Ride
Flying on an airplane for the first time can be an exciting event for a 3-year-old. For some, though, it might might be scary or overwhelming. If you take increased airport security measures and regulations and add them to managing an energetic and curious 3-year-old in a large airport, getting to your gate on time may seem close to impossible. However, if you prepare your child for his first plane ride, the experience will be much easier and may even be enjoyable for both you and your 3-year-old.
Things You'll Need
- Books about flying
- Small back pack
- Cardboard box
- Towel
Instructions
Talk to your 3-year-old about your flight and your trip a lot before you go. Discuss all of the things that will be new to your child including going through security and claiming baggage. Also focus on aspects of flying that might cause concern for your child, such as delays, airplane turbulence and engine noises. Read books about airports, airplanes and flying with your 3-year-old. Using literature is an excellent way to introduce kids to new things. There are a number of children's books that address different aspects of flying in a way that kids can understand. You may also be able to find children's picture books that describe the location you are visiting. Also, go to your local library and ask the children's library for recommendations for picture books to read aloud to your child that will help raise enthusiasm and reduce fears. Act out the steps that will occur prior to boarding the plane. Purchase a small backpack for your 3-year-old, and talk to him about how to pack it for his airplane adventure so he has things to play with and to hold for comfort, such as a favorite teddy bear. Role play, having him pretend to carry his backpack through check-in, putting it on the conveyor belt for the X-ray, taking off his shoes, walking through the metal detector and collecting his backpack. Use props for the role play, such as a doorway for the metal detector and a cardboard box and towel as the X-ray machine and conveyor belt. Explain the conveyor belt is similar to the one at the supermarket. Demonstrate what happens once you get on the plane. Place a few chairs together, and engage your 3-year-old in pretending to sit down and buckle up. Explain the seat belt sign to him and express the importance of keeping his seat belt fastened when the light is on. Tell him that the light often comes on when there is turbulence in the weather, which is normal. Visit the airport. Taking a field trip to the airport with your 3-year old isn't necessary, but if it is practical to do so, it can help him be less anxious on the big day. Talk to your child about everything that is going on as you move through the airport. Though you won't be able to go through security without a boarding pass, you can spend as much time as you want watching people as they go through the line. If you catch the airport at a slow time, you might be able to get a TSA officer to explain parts of the process to your child.
