OFM PARENTING GUIDE 0726 - FINAL - CENTRA_Pages 6 / 9 / 26 1 : 14 PM Page 2 F A M Flying with I Ease L Strategies to prepare young Y ones for the airport — and their first takeoff . Getting the chance to travel comes with its F perks , but one setback when it comes to traveling with to them instead of stressful . Travel naturally builds children without it ever feeling like a lesson . ” U children can be when they are first - time flyers . But confidence because kids are constantly learning Broadening children’s understanding of different with a little preparation , taking to the skies with chil - how to adapt . ” cultures exposes them to different traditions , N dren can be a smooth experience , no matter their age . languages and ways of life . They begin to see that A couple days before arriving at the airport , a smart strategy for parents is to have an informative conversa - Adjusting to the Unexpected there’s no single “ right ” way to live , and instead , tion to prepare children for the airport environment . Adaptability and problem - solving skills are perks learn to appreciate this difference . Over time , this Talking to them about protocols and procedures be - obtained when traveling . When plans change at exposure helps them develop a more inclusive forehand helps them understand what to expect , re - the very last minute , children are forced to think mindset , one where differences are celebrated rather lieving them of any anxiety that may arise . quickly . Real - life challenges are put to the test , than ignored . “ For younger kids , making it feel like part of the ad - teaching them that setbacks are temporary and “ Children can read about other countries in venture helps a lot . I’d have my kids hold their own problem - solving is necessary to overcome issues . books or learn about them in school , but firsthand passports , hand them to the agent , state their names “ Children quickly discover that unexpected experiences often leave a deeper and more lasting and immediately hand the passports back to me . Now challenges can be managed , ” Lynn Fenster , owner impression , ” Fenster says . “ Trying local foods , as teenagers , it’s second nature to them . Those small and travel advisor of Vacation Planners of Metro hearing different languages , observing customs and habits over time helped build confidence and familiar - ity with travel instead of making airports feel intimidat - Orlando states . “ Depending on their age , children traditions , and interacting with people from diverse ing , ” explains Victoria Detz , agency owner and advisor may make decisions about activities , manage spending backgrounds help children understand that there at Wishlist Travel Collective . money or adjust plans when circumstances shift . are many ways to live , communicate and celebrate . ” To ensure your child is entertained throughout the These experiences help build resilience and reinforce “ Meeting people from different backgrounds whole flight , be sure to pack enough essentials to bring the belief that they can handle new situations . ” and seeing the way other people live helps children onboard . A tablet with movies , games , or books and a Exposure to new environments can help further become more open - minded and compassionate , ” comfort item like a stuffed animal are always a neces - develop a child’s social skills as well . Children are Kinkead says . “ They learn that there are other sity with little ones . usually only exposed to interactions with family people out there who live their whole life without Having enough snacks for when they get hungry is members , friends , classmates and teachers , but travel the many things that we take for granted in our ev - a must have as well . “ Parents should think carefully throws them into a diverse mix of personalities and eryday lives . ” about meals and snacks . Even when food is available onboard , bringing familiar options is often a good backgrounds . Certain interactions teach them the These moments spark curiosity , and curiosity idea , ” says Lynn Fenster , owner and travel advisor of art of conversation and the importance of active lis - leads to heartfelt conversations about privilege and Vacation Planners of Metro Orlando . tening , qualities that will be handy in their future . respect . Travel shows them the beauty in diversity For babies , feeding during takeoff and landing can “ You meet all kinds of new people — that’s one and the importance of kindness no matter how help with the changing pressure in their ears . And of the best things about traveling with kids , ” someone chooses to live or where they come from . when it comes to older children , they can benefit from Kinkead exclaims . “ They learn how to start con - “ I think it’s important for children to see how drinking water or chewing gum . “ During takeoff and versations , ask questions , listen carefully and interact other people live — to experience new cultures and landing , nursing , a pacifier or a bottle helps babies with people of all backgrounds . This exposure to environments that are different from their own . manage ear pressure , ” Jessica Griscavage , founder of diversity helps them feel more comfortable with Even if it pushes them outside their comfort zone , Runway Travel Co . , concurs . people who may look , speak or act differently than that’s where the real growth happens . They come One concern that dwells on parents ’ minds is the possibility that their child will begin wailing while in they do . ” home with a broader understanding of the world the middle of the flight . While these moments can be and of humanity that you can’t teach any other extremely stressful , it is important to remember that Empathy Through Exposure way , ” explains Jessica Griscavage , founder of Runway this is very common among families who travel with One of the most beneficial aspects of travel is its Travel Co . younger children and babies . Griscavage notes that , ability to express empathy . When children see how Traveling with children isn’t just a memory “ It’s OK to ask flight attendants for help — they’ve seen others live , whether that’s in a city , a countryside or maker — it’s a chance to allow them to create a it all and are happy to assist . The more relaxed you are , an island , they develop a deeper understanding of strong skill set to carry into adulthood . It teaches the more relaxed your little one will be . ” the world they’re a part of and others who live in it . children that the world they are a part of is diverse Remember , kids pick up on energy . If you are calm Detz says , “ I think one of the biggest gifts travel and full of multiple opportunities . Whether it’s and reassuring , they’re more likely to mirror that be - gives children is perspective . It takes things from through the lens of a new culture or relief in solving havior . So take a deep breath , embrace the unpleasant moments and focus on the excitement to come . learning about it to actually experiencing it . As a a last - minute issue , traveling is a great way for - - Giana Scafide mom and travel advisor , I’ve seen how travel naturally children to combine learning with leisure and help creates more curious , empathetic and open - minded them become more well - rounded individuals . ORLANDOFAMILYMAGAZINE.COM july 2026 ORLANDO FAMILY 15