It’s common to hear non-parents express their frustrations about flying with children. They often complain about kids kicking the seats, crying uncontrollably, or simply staring at them, demanding attention. I hear you, and I understand your concerns. However, let’s be real: no one dreads flying with kids more than the parents themselves. Unfortunately, traveling with little ones is a reality we all face. Here’s a rundown of the common complaints I’ve heard from non-parents and what I’d like to say to them if I weren’t such a nice person.
“I was on a flight, and a baby cried the entire time. It was so annoying! Why can’t they keep it quiet?”
Let me break it down for you: keeping a baby calm on a plane is incredibly challenging. Most infants struggle with ear pressure during takeoff and landing, which can make it feel like their heads are going to explode. The last time I traveled with my baby, I tried everything, including some ear drops that, quite frankly, did nothing. Families want to travel, especially during holidays, so if my baby is crying while you shoot me dirty looks, just remember that Grandma is eager to see her grandchild.
“Every time I fly, I end up stuck behind a mom with a stroller at security. Do parents really need all that stuff?”
And do you really need all those gadgets to keep yourself entertained on a four-hour flight? Traveling with children requires a lot of gear to keep them happy and safe; it’s like packing for a mini-expedition. One time at Denver Airport, I faced a three-hour delay, and two of my kids ended up with diarrhea. You’d be surprised at how hard it is to find diapers in an airport. If I hadn’t been prepared, you’d be the one sitting in a cloud of unpleasantness.
“I was next to a mom who breastfed her baby on the plane! Can’t she wait?”
I assume you had snacks handy for yourself during the flight, right? Well, babies get hungry too. Just as you wouldn’t want to wait until you land to eat, neither does a little one. So, let’s keep it in perspective.
“A toddler threw a fit on the plane. Parents need to teach their kids proper behavior!”
Have you ever felt trapped in a tight space, like on a plane? It’s uncomfortable for everyone. While adults can manage their emotions, toddlers are still learning how to control theirs. So, how about you take a deep breath, put on some headphones, and let it go?
“Why can’t parents just wait until their kids are older to travel?”
Are you suggesting that there should be an age restriction on flying? Families need to connect, whether for vacations or important events. Children are part of this world, and they deserve to travel just like everyone else.
So, the next time you find yourself on a flight with kids, remember that parents don’t enjoy the chaos any more than you do. Put on your headphones, enjoy your snacks, and let’s all just get through the flight together.
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In summary, flying with kids is a challenge that parents face every day, and while it may be uncomfortable for non-parents, understanding and patience can go a long way.
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