mimi
i'm from the philippines. scheduled flight is on April 23, manila-taipei-new jersey. i'm a mom. will be traveling with 3 children ages 10, 9 and 7. what should i prepare? what should i expect to experience in the airports?
Answer
I'm a former Flight Attendant and while you have a pretty long journey in front of you, your children are good ages to fly.
First of all, have they flown before? Talk to them about the flight, especially security. Flying is fun for kids but the security can be intimidating. Explain that they might have to take off their shoes and everything has to go on the belt. They will also have to go through this multiple times.
This TSA page from their site is aimed at younger children but you might still find it useful.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm
I find my biggest problem with my 8 and 6 year olds is their commentary. Explain that they are to be *very* good while you're checking in and no joking in security period. Also, while there is a language barrier, they shouldn't make jokes or comments even if they wont be understood. My kids are bilingual and think they can say whatever they want in international airports.
Make sure they stay together. Two of mine are "wanderers" and will stray off as soon as they see something interesting. The middle child is good and is always at my elbow but I have to lecture my other two to keep up and not get lost.
Once past security, you all can relax a little before your flight. It's safer in theory because everyone is either flying or working in that area of the airport. Before security, it's basically a public area. Resist the temptation to linger to say good-bye and get you and your kids past security asap. This can take ages and it's better to get it done with as quickly as possible after check-in.
Bring lots to keep them occupied. Have each bring a backpack. I also pack a change of clothes for each of us but if that seems too much, just bring a t-shirt and shorts. If there's a spill inflight, you'll probably have time to rinse and dry clothes (they dry fast thanks to the dry air in airplanes).
Bring some sort of alternate drinking item. I doubt they still use sippy cups but maybe something with a spout. The F/A's will fill these instead of open glasses if you want. This is especially important with electronical toys.
Big subject. Explain that these toys have to be off for take-off and landing but then can be resumed. Bring extra batteries. If you are taking a DVD player or computer, make sure there's at least 5 hours battery life in it. Turning the screen light down saves battery time. Bring the recharger and recharge in Taiwan (plus one for the states). You might need a converter. Fully recharge everything before leaving your home because they can't be recharged inflight. I also only allow the DVD player in the air, not on the ground for practical reasons (dropping it, having to leave quickly, etc). With older kids, this may or may not be a useful restriction or simply allow it while waiting at the gate in Taiwan.
They must keep the volume turned all the way down or off, or some gadgets have the option of earphones. Bring extra pairs (easy to pack and easy to lose!) Same goes for the movie. You may have to buy a gadget that allows three headsets to be plugged in. I have one for my three (forgot it last trip-and regretted it!)
A new movie(s) and/or new games might be a good idea. Keep them occupied for such a long trip. Get reading materials in their native language, as it might not be possible once you leave the Philippines.
Bring snacks. So far, nothing has been taken by security. Mostly they're concerned about drinks so buy those after you get through security, assuming you'll have time.
Consider ordering special meals espcially if your kids are fussy eaters. The kids' meals are often very greasy so I don't recommend them. Ask your travel agent or call the airline for a list of what is offered. We don't eat pork so we order kosher. No, you don't have to be Jewish to do so too!
Hope you have a good trip!
I'm a former Flight Attendant and while you have a pretty long journey in front of you, your children are good ages to fly.
First of all, have they flown before? Talk to them about the flight, especially security. Flying is fun for kids but the security can be intimidating. Explain that they might have to take off their shoes and everything has to go on the belt. They will also have to go through this multiple times.
This TSA page from their site is aimed at younger children but you might still find it useful.
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm
I find my biggest problem with my 8 and 6 year olds is their commentary. Explain that they are to be *very* good while you're checking in and no joking in security period. Also, while there is a language barrier, they shouldn't make jokes or comments even if they wont be understood. My kids are bilingual and think they can say whatever they want in international airports.
Make sure they stay together. Two of mine are "wanderers" and will stray off as soon as they see something interesting. The middle child is good and is always at my elbow but I have to lecture my other two to keep up and not get lost.
Once past security, you all can relax a little before your flight. It's safer in theory because everyone is either flying or working in that area of the airport. Before security, it's basically a public area. Resist the temptation to linger to say good-bye and get you and your kids past security asap. This can take ages and it's better to get it done with as quickly as possible after check-in.
Bring lots to keep them occupied. Have each bring a backpack. I also pack a change of clothes for each of us but if that seems too much, just bring a t-shirt and shorts. If there's a spill inflight, you'll probably have time to rinse and dry clothes (they dry fast thanks to the dry air in airplanes).
Bring some sort of alternate drinking item. I doubt they still use sippy cups but maybe something with a spout. The F/A's will fill these instead of open glasses if you want. This is especially important with electronical toys.
Big subject. Explain that these toys have to be off for take-off and landing but then can be resumed. Bring extra batteries. If you are taking a DVD player or computer, make sure there's at least 5 hours battery life in it. Turning the screen light down saves battery time. Bring the recharger and recharge in Taiwan (plus one for the states). You might need a converter. Fully recharge everything before leaving your home because they can't be recharged inflight. I also only allow the DVD player in the air, not on the ground for practical reasons (dropping it, having to leave quickly, etc). With older kids, this may or may not be a useful restriction or simply allow it while waiting at the gate in Taiwan.
They must keep the volume turned all the way down or off, or some gadgets have the option of earphones. Bring extra pairs (easy to pack and easy to lose!) Same goes for the movie. You may have to buy a gadget that allows three headsets to be plugged in. I have one for my three (forgot it last trip-and regretted it!)
A new movie(s) and/or new games might be a good idea. Keep them occupied for such a long trip. Get reading materials in their native language, as it might not be possible once you leave the Philippines.
Bring snacks. So far, nothing has been taken by security. Mostly they're concerned about drinks so buy those after you get through security, assuming you'll have time.
Consider ordering special meals espcially if your kids are fussy eaters. The kids' meals are often very greasy so I don't recommend them. Ask your travel agent or call the airline for a list of what is offered. We don't eat pork so we order kosher. No, you don't have to be Jewish to do so too!
Hope you have a good trip!
Questionnaire for Mummies with young child/ren (up to age 5)!!?
Harriette
This is about baby play mats.I need to ask this questionnaire for my textiles and fashion studies homework. I'm supposed to hand out a paper copy to people I know but I don't know many people with babies. Thanks :)
1) How old is your child/ren? (In months or years)
2) What colours does your child like?
3) Do you travel/go out with your child at least once a day?
4) If you own or desire a childs play mat, where/did you use it? (indoors?outdoors?both?)
5)Which of these do you prefer for a play mat? two seperate for outdoor and indoor use OR one for both?
6)What features would you like on a play mat? Mirrors OR Noises OR Play bar OR Soft toys OR different textures?
7)What would you like a play mat to be? Gender Specific OR Gender Neutral
8) What shape would you like it to be?
9) What is the maximum price you'd be willing to pay for a play mat?
10) How big would you like it to be? Small and Portable OR Average OR Large OR Big enough for more than one baby/child?
11) Would you like it to be quilted or flat?
12) Would you like it to be personal? E.G. photos,name?
Answer
I'll answer for my younger two.
1) How old is your child/ren? Middle is 3 and youngest is 12 months.
2) What colours does your child like? My 3-year-old likes pink and yellow.
3) Do you travel/go out with your child at least once a day? We go outside in the yard to play at least once a day.
4) If you own or desire a childs play mat, where/did you use it? (indoors?outdoors?both?) We have a foam play mat indoors.
5)Which of these do you prefer for a play mat? two seperate for outdoor and indoor use OR one for both? One for both, preferably.
6)What features would you like on a play mat? Mirrors OR Noises OR Play bar OR Soft toys OR different textures? Mirrors. My kids love mirrors.
7)What would you like a play mat to be? Gender Specific OR Gender Neutral? Gender neutral, since I have both genders.
8) What shape would you like it to be? Square.
9) What is the maximum price you'd be willing to pay for a play mat? Nothing over $50.00.
10) How big would you like it to be? Small and Portable OR Average OR Large OR Big enough for more than one baby/child? Big enough for more than one child. My kids like to roll around and jump on theirs.
11) Would you like it to be quilted or flat? Flat.
12) Would you like it to be personal? E.G. photos,name? No. Ours is a simple foam mat with numbers.
I'll answer for my younger two.
1) How old is your child/ren? Middle is 3 and youngest is 12 months.
2) What colours does your child like? My 3-year-old likes pink and yellow.
3) Do you travel/go out with your child at least once a day? We go outside in the yard to play at least once a day.
4) If you own or desire a childs play mat, where/did you use it? (indoors?outdoors?both?) We have a foam play mat indoors.
5)Which of these do you prefer for a play mat? two seperate for outdoor and indoor use OR one for both? One for both, preferably.
6)What features would you like on a play mat? Mirrors OR Noises OR Play bar OR Soft toys OR different textures? Mirrors. My kids love mirrors.
7)What would you like a play mat to be? Gender Specific OR Gender Neutral? Gender neutral, since I have both genders.
8) What shape would you like it to be? Square.
9) What is the maximum price you'd be willing to pay for a play mat? Nothing over $50.00.
10) How big would you like it to be? Small and Portable OR Average OR Large OR Big enough for more than one baby/child? Big enough for more than one child. My kids like to roll around and jump on theirs.
11) Would you like it to be quilted or flat? Flat.
12) Would you like it to be personal? E.G. photos,name? No. Ours is a simple foam mat with numbers.
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