Flying with Evan
I often receive emails from friends informing me that they're getting ready to take their first long flight with their kid/kids and if I could recommend things to take on board to keep the little ones entertained and happy. I never know what to answer because, well, I think that...(1) every child is unique, and (2) I do not know your kids well enough to say "you should take this and that". But since Evan and I are starting our 24 hr journey (door to door) to Thailand tomorrow, I thought I'd share what we've stuffed into his little carry-on bag.
LUNCH BOX: Evan has been taking this 24 hr journey with me once every year but he has not developed a liking for airline food; I don't blame him...I don't care for it either. So, I make sure to pack him a bag of his favorite foods/snacks. This keeps his tummy full and him in a better mood.
ENTERTAINMENT: The KINDLE is my best friend on flights. It is loaded with Evan's favorite movies and games. That keeps him entertained for hours. Oh, and something we never fly without is his headphones (works just as great on the individual inflight entertainment units as well). Those little earphones they hand out on flight aren't really kid-friendly and sometimes don't work. Next, we've packed a travel buddy. This year Victor the Fox gets to visit grandma with Evan. Then we also pack a few games, which we rarely get into but is always a good back up especially if your flight is delayed.
BOOKS: Evan loves his books...especially his sticker books and activity books. These are great when you're not flying through turbulent weather. I also picked up the Rebel Journal (Evan is a huge Star Wars fan) for this trip just to give him an idea of what a journal is all about...hoping that he might find it cool and start his own journal someday.
THE NECESSITIES: I don't know about other kids but my kid never fails to spill something on himself at least on one of the 2 flights, or both. I always carry a change of clothes for him, ALWAYS. Speaking of spilling, this time I've also packed one of those Take & Toss cups. He will be served his water/juice in it which will hopefully translate to NO SPILL on board. Anti-bacterial wipes!!! I never fly without it because when you're flying for 16 hrs you're bound to hit the loo a few times and THAT is the most traumatic part of flying for me...helping my 5 year old clean up after he's done with his potty business. ACK!
What I pack for him is never the same for every trip because he is only 5 and his interests/likes keep changing BUT I always make sure that I pack right...because...when my kid travels happy, I travel happy.
