Flying with Kids and I Hate to Fly

Seriously? I suggest just calling your doctor and getting some medication.
It will take the edge off of the anxiety. MANY people do this.

You won't be overly knocked out. You'll still be fine to watch them, etc.

Otherwise, all I can tell you is kids make you brave. 💪

Why exactly do you hate to fly? Are you able to pinpoint it, or is it "inherited" because that's how your mom was?

I've flown a LOT - cross country, coastal, etc. I traveled with an infant as well. For me, it's a chance to read and relax.

If you can add why you feel freaked out to your question or the So What Happened portion, maybe we can help you address that :)

Google might also help you as well.

Yup, another vote for medication!

My husband is a very anxious flyer. It was to the point where I refused to be on the same plane. Finally, I convinced him to ask his doctor who prescribed a mild antianxiety medication. Xanax, maybe? Klonopin? One of those. Anyway, after initially being skeptical and having some reservations about using drugs, he tried it.

What he found:
- it didn't make him feel sleepy, woozy, out of it or anything else (important when flying with children!)
- he still felt in control of himself -- just not nervous.
- he didn't need a great deal and didn't feel like he needed to take any more than a low dose.
- it didn't lead to anything else. It was just a one dose when needed solution.

Try it. Make this a good experience for yourself and your children.

this is the perfect time for better living through pharmaceuticals. you've done your job by prepping everything. now hand it off to your husband to get through the flight, while you take a mommy's little helper.
khairete
S.

What makes you feel less anxious? Yoga herbal tee lavender calming music. Hard to answer your question without knowing if it's more anxiety or something else.

I'm with the Rx group. I can't tell you the last time if flew anywhere without .25 mgs of xanax. God made the poppyseed for a reason and pill splitters for another. Don't mix with anything and pull a bridesmaid (the movie) moment have but just enough to take the edge off and get you there with enough oomph to make it through baggage retrieval. Have fun!! :-) S.

When I fly with my kids, I find that I'm so busy keeping up with them that I don't have time to think about anything. They love to fly, and we go well-stocked, and between getting them this snack then that game and then reading a book to the younger and then the older wants a different game and on and on.

So, I say throw yourself into whatever your kids are into and keep yourself distracted enough that you don't have time to worry.

Remember that you would have a greater chance of hitting a deer in a car than you are flying. I try to do things like listen to music, sleep, watch a movie. During turbulence, I hold my DH's hand. If your family is split up, talk to the ticket counter or the gate and ask to be seated together. Sometimes this ended up with my family at the very back of the plane, but I honestly don't mind being near the food - you get it more quickly and if you need a refill, the staff is right there. Give yourselves plenty of time to get through security (kids under 13 no longer need to take off their shoes) and make sure that your carry on has a spare toothbrush and change of clothes, just in case. You'll be OK. I don't love flying either (and I really hate security lines and running through the airport for a connecting flight) but I try to think more about where we will land than the flight itself. Our most recent flights were easy peasy. We left very early, had plenty of time, and chose to have a sit down diner during a layover.

At 4 and 7 they don't need much on a plane. Maybe a book and an activity u less you are on an overseas flight. Then maybe something extra. They are old enough to know they need to sit so I don't see that as a problem. If you will be that nervous do not sit with them. Sit alone behind them. Kids take their cues from us. If you are that bad, my biggest fear would be that you would scare them so much they would refuse to get on coming home. Get some Valium from your doc. Have fun!

I took a valuim before flying. maybe talk to your doctor and ask if he can prescribe a very very low dosage for you. also my go to is to bring headphones and a cd player. (I know I'm old lol now its all on the ipod but I haven't quite mastered that yet.) also get a new book that you wn't touch until your on the plane. bring a portable dvd player and headphones for the girls.

That's me! I am a total nut bag when I have to fly anywhere. My son loves to fly. I talk to myself before, during, and afterwards. I tell myself each step I have to do, and keep saying I'll be fine. Same with going through security, finding gate, boarding, take off, landing, and finally baggage claim. There are slot of steps, but after each one I tend to get better and relax more. Deep breaths help too. I also use essential oils to calm myself. Lavender helps. If you are not into that, my mother takes a Xanax.

Usually once I'm at the gate, it gets easier. Listening to music helps, distractions help, and a good book or magazine passes the time.

I've flown a lot and with and without family. Do you know from where your fear begins?

I'll be honest, I've been on 3 ER landings and yes it was scary but one thing I know is that the pilots want to land safely just as much as I do and I know they do everything in their power to make that happen. I also know realistically that flying is safer than driving with all the crazies in the roads. I'm worse as a passenger in a car than a plane!!!

If your children pick up on your fear, then they will be fearful. Make it an adventure!! Don't let them know you are scared.

It's ok to be scared too, just don't go overboard. Watch the flight attendants, everything is routine so that should help you chill out. When I hear the ding at 10,000 ft I am just fine throughout the rest of the trip. I'm only white knuckles until that ding.

Go have fun... If needed have a cocktail or to to relax you a bit. Enjoy the excitement in your children's faces!!

Good luck.

you didn't say how long of a flight, but i will tell you, i hate flying for a million different reasons. my longest fight has been around 12-13 hours with young kids. kids never have any issues. i do. so i bring a book, kindle, nook, all of them, and i read a lot. i can't sleep so i find that time passes faster when i am reading. good luck