by Paula Shelton, Editor, www.flyingwitkids.com
‘I shudder at the thought of keeping my busy two year old out of trouble on a long plane ride. What toys and activities should I take on the plane to keep him out of mischief?’
Pack a small number of lightweight toys in an accessible place in your hand luggage. Gift-wrap some of them to add to their interest and bring them out slowly so that each is a surprise.
Include:-
Chunky crayons
Plain paper or colouring book
Sheets of stickers
Plastic animals or dinosaurs
Fuzzy felts or re-usable sticker scenes
Soft back picture books like Usbourne’s “Going on a Plane”.
Optional extras:-
Magna-doodle
Lace-up cards or cotton reels
Dress up doll
Finger puppets
Small toy cars, diggers, planes
Bendy dolls or stretchy aliens
Wind-up walking toys.
These will give you lots of leads for improvised activities particularly story telling and role play.
Use new and interesting environments around you to stimulate stories too. Talk about all the activities that go on during an airplane journey and discuss what different ground and air crew are doing – even if you don’t really know.
Finally, toddlers sometimes play in the aisle to use up excess energy and many people recommend this. Keep watch on your child and the fasten seat-belt sign if you choose this distraction, as turbulence is a danger along with busy trolley-wielding cabin crew!
Copyright Paula Shelton 2010. All rights reserved.
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