Flying with children can feel overwhelming for many parents. Between long security lines -delayed flights and the challenge of keeping little ones entertained in little spaces, travel days are often stressful. But with preparation and a calm mindset, flying can become an enjoyable learning experience for the entire family. At Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley reminds parents that travel is not only about getting from one destination to another, it’s also about teaching children resilience, flexibility, and curiosity about the world.
One of the best ways to reduce stress is to prepare in advance. Pack a carry-on with essentials, such as snacks, books, and comfort items, that will help the child feel secure. Parents who have worked with Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready private school search services often hear a similar message when preparing for admissions interviews: success comes from being calm, organized, and ready for the unexpected. The same principle applies to travel. A little preparation goes a long way in setting the stage for a smoother flight.
Children need stimulation during long periods of sitting. It is always helpful to pack a variety of activities which can keep them engaged. Coloring books, sticker sets, audiobooks, or even small puzzles can keep kids engaged without relying solely on screens. Flight Time can also be an opportunity to introduce children to the concept of patience and taking turns, skills that are essential for school readiness. In an Article featured in Elizabeth Fraley Forbes, she highlighted how families can use everyday experiences as opportunities for growth. Travel days, while challenging, are a perfect example of how parents can turn waiting Time into learning Time.
Children do better when they know what to expect. Before arriving at the airport, talk through what will happen strating from checking in, to going through security, to boarding the plane. This helps children feel included and reduces anxiety. Parents can also set realistic expectations for themselves. Delays and disruptions happen, but approaching them with flexibility models calm problem-solving for kids. Families working with Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley often practice these types of routines in other contexts, showing that children thrive when structure is combined with reassurance.
Airports and flights rarely cater to a child’s eating schedule, so it is better to pack their favourite snacks. Familiar foods not only prevent hunger, but also provide comfort in unfamiliar settings. A favorite blanket, or stuffed animal or familiar pillow can also make a difference, especially during long flights. These small items help children feel secure and remind them of home. Just as in the classroom, consistency and comfort can transform a stressful environment into one where a child feels safe enough to relax and thrive.
One way to keep children engaged is to involve them in small responsibilities. Let them carry their own backpack, or choose a book for the flight, help find the right gate number. These simple tasks foster independence and make children feel more in control. As Elizabeth Fraley Kinder Ready private school search emphasizes, schools look for independence and self-confidence in young learners. Travel provides countless opportunities to nurture those very traits in real-world situations.
Flying isn’t simply a way to get from point A to point B. It's an opportunity to expose children to geography, cultures, and the science of how we get from the ground into the sky. Whether it consists of reading books about airplanes, pointing out maps in the airport- or explaining why the sky looks different from high altitudes, doing all this makes the trip an educational adventure. Elizabeth Fraley Forbes often emphasizes that families who make curiosity an everyday practice are helping their children become more resilient and adaptable. Travel, of course, gives those teachable moments if parents will take the Time to point them out.
Traveling with kids doesn’t have to be stressful. Preparation, patience and a positive attitude can turn travel days into some of the most cherished family memories. By including children in planning, comforting them while on board, and turning downtime in the air into chances to learn, parents not only make flights easier, they also give kids the experience of gaining inner strength and flexibility. At Kinder Ready Elizabeth Fraley, families are encouraged to see every experience , whether it’s the first day of school or a long flight, as an opportunity to teach kids how to adjust, learn and flourish.
For further details on Kinder Ready's programs, visit their website: https://www.kinderready.com/.
Youtube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ElizabethFraleyKinderReady
