AWife
My son is 3 years old and an American citizen. My mom and my sister are taking him to Germany with them for a vacation. My mom and my sister are German citizens. The tickets are booked. Do I need a Power Attorney? If so, what should I write? Thank you!!
Answer
A limited power of attorney is a good idea. It's just a document signed by you that gives your mom and/or sister permission to approve of things like medical treatment if necessary. While it's unlikely that your son would be denied treatment simply because your relatives don't have a power of attorney, you never know, and it doesn't hurt. Germany in particular is a country where things tend to be forbidden unless explicitly allowed, so having some paperwork that makes it clear that they can approve of various things for your son is a good idea. It should cover not just medical treatment but anything else that might require parental authority during the trip.
You can have a lawyer prepare this, or you can just write something that clearly states what decisions you allow your mom and sister to make. Some types of power of attorney can be granted with forms that are already available (such as releases). In some cases and in some jurisdictions, they might have implied authority to make at least some decisions, if it's clear that you've consented to let them take care of your son on his vacation.
Note that things like consent forms and releases are often just specialized powers of attorney. A power of attorney is something that allows someone else to make legal decisions on your behalf (such as approving of medical treatment for your minor dependent).
A limited power of attorney is a good idea. It's just a document signed by you that gives your mom and/or sister permission to approve of things like medical treatment if necessary. While it's unlikely that your son would be denied treatment simply because your relatives don't have a power of attorney, you never know, and it doesn't hurt. Germany in particular is a country where things tend to be forbidden unless explicitly allowed, so having some paperwork that makes it clear that they can approve of various things for your son is a good idea. It should cover not just medical treatment but anything else that might require parental authority during the trip.
You can have a lawyer prepare this, or you can just write something that clearly states what decisions you allow your mom and sister to make. Some types of power of attorney can be granted with forms that are already available (such as releases). In some cases and in some jurisdictions, they might have implied authority to make at least some decisions, if it's clear that you've consented to let them take care of your son on his vacation.
Note that things like consent forms and releases are often just specialized powers of attorney. A power of attorney is something that allows someone else to make legal decisions on your behalf (such as approving of medical treatment for your minor dependent).
Toddlers on a plane?
SmEllY!
Sounds like a horror movie doesnt it hehe. In a month my 21 month old daughter will be going on her first plane trip, it will only last for 2 hours but I am really worried about how she is gonna take it. I don't want her to be scared and upset, she has a VERY high pitched scream and we will be flying with a hundred mine workers and I can only imagine how they will feel about it. Also when I go on a plane nothing I do can relieve the pressure I feel in my head and I am scared that she will have the same problem. How can I keep my daughter happy on a plane trip and keep her from experiencing pain? Also what was your experience of taking a kid on a plane for the first time
?
Answer
I've been flying internationally with my children since they were 2 months (now 8&5). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone, and we do 8-10 other flights (internationally and domestically) as a family each year. Here are some tips and advise that have always worked for me and I hope will work for you too:
1.) Prepare your child on what to expect. Talk to her about the experience before hand. Tell her about what is going to happen when you get to the airport, when you are on the plane, and when you arrive at your destination.
Here is a link to a question I answered about what to expect when flying (also includes information about what to do at the airport) that may help you out a bit:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AqRwTFqrvYN.iAfC_oy6CHPty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071019044251AA76vkg&show=7#profile-info-t6KmZpK4aa
2.) You will need to have all your child's documents in order. Like I said above, it is a good idea to keep a copy of her notarized birth certificate with you. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.
3.) You can take a stroller and gate check it. This means that you will be able to use it all the way up until the time that you board, and one of the handlers will take it and put it in a special compartment for you. When you exit the plane, it will be waiting for you at the door as well. You can also do this with your car seat if you'd like.
Here's a product that can attach to most car seats so that you can use it as a stroller and get it through the airport more easily. http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html
4.) A car seat is not required for use in an airplane, although it is beneficial. I advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) because it is safe for the child - especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, will help your child sleep, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit.
A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant safety seat (Car Seat) that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.
In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (most car seats have this). Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use.
There is also a new device that is approved by the FAA for airline use ONLY. It is called CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) and costs $75. It weighs 1 pound, is certified for all phases of flight (taxiing, take off, turbulence and landing), adjusts to fit ALL size airplane seats, and is approved for kids 22â44 lbs.
http://www.kidsflysafe.com/
Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. You should call your airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.
5.) For take-offs and landings (the WHOLE way up, and starting from the BEGINNING, or TOP of descent) -this can be done for both you and her:
The best ways are to alleviate the pressure are to:
*Give her something to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter)
*Give her hard candy or mints to suck on
*Give her gum to chew
*Tell her to yawn
*Pinch his nostrils shut, have her take a deep breath in through the mouth, then force the air into the back of the nose (gently, but with pressure) as if trying to blow her nose.
*Place hot damp towels (usually like the ones distributed to first and business class before take-off and landing to freshen up with - just ask a flight attendant for them) or paper towels that have been soaked in hot water and wrung out, at the bottom of two paper or styrofoam cups, then hold the cups over the ears.
*Gently but with some pressure, rub her neck repeatedly from the chin to the base of the neck. This will cause a swallowing motion that will relieve pressure build-up in the ears.
You can also try using a decongestant. It is always best to check with your doctor before using any type of medications though, to make sure you are using the one best suited to your childs needs.
6.) Bring Snacks! just add water packets of food, cheerios, goldfish, animal crackers, dried fruit, etc. are great. New regulations also allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz (100ml), -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food,yogurt, cheese, puddings, etc. with you also as long as they are in containers less than 3oz (100ml).
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#9
Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the Flight Attendants will provide you with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request it.
7.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child, such as a few books, toys, a portable DVD player (or a laptop) with a few movies, and one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal.
My children like to bring along their own coloring books, a Doodle Pad, their Leap Pads (with a few booklets), and scrap paper that they can make their own drawings with and play games such as tic-tac-toe. My daughter used to like to bring along a doodle bear when she was younger so that she could draw on that as well, and my son likes to bring along some action figures to play with. I found that buying a Rose Art kit from Target (about $5 for the small one and $10 for the large one) is great! It has crayons, markers, coloring books, coloring sheets, and stickers that they can color. It definitely keeps them entertained!
You can also play games like pat-a-cake, or I-spy, and tell stories to your child as well. If you tell a story, try to make it an interactive one where your child has a part in it so she stays interested. This is also a good time to explain things that are happening or going to happen on the plane, and ask questions, such as what do you think the weather is going to be like when we land? etc.
You might also consider going to the store and letting your child pick out her own carry on bag and a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once on the plane. Be sure to pick out a few toys without her seeing so that she has an extra surprise when she opens her carry on.
Don't be afraid to get up and walk the aisles with your child. This will help to break up the length of the flight and let her stretch her muscles. In fact, this is good for everyone to do.
8.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case she gets sick, spills something on herself, or in case your luggage gets lost.
9.) Keep your diaper bag well stocked with plenty of wipes, ointments and other essential things. Just remember the new law regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm You can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use.
10.) Keep your doctors name and number with you. Also get the name and number of a doctor where you are visiting in case an emergency should come up.
Make sure you have a check-up with your doctor before leaving to make sure your child is healthy enough to fly. If your child has even a slight cold, the pressure in her ears during take-off and landing (even if you do the precaution methods) could leave her ears aching for days after the flight.
Most doctors recommend that if anyone is sick (such as being stuffed up or already having an earache), not to take the flight because of the potential damage to the ears. I know my husband and other pilots do not work if they are sick because of this danger.
11.) Bring any medications that you might need for your child should she get sick or that she takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz (100ml) rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag.
http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm
Do NOT give your child medicine with the hopes of it making her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.
12.) Keep your calm. If you get stressed out, your child can pick up on it and it will make the travel that much harder.
13.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.
For more in-depth information, please visit: http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/flying_children.html
If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
I've been flying internationally with my children since they were 2 months (now 8&5). At least three trips a year are the children and I traveling internationally (14+ hours each way) alone, and we do 8-10 other flights (internationally and domestically) as a family each year. Here are some tips and advise that have always worked for me and I hope will work for you too:
1.) Prepare your child on what to expect. Talk to her about the experience before hand. Tell her about what is going to happen when you get to the airport, when you are on the plane, and when you arrive at your destination.
Here is a link to a question I answered about what to expect when flying (also includes information about what to do at the airport) that may help you out a bit:
http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AqRwTFqrvYN.iAfC_oy6CHPty6IX;_ylv=3?qid=20071019044251AA76vkg&show=7#profile-info-t6KmZpK4aa
2.) You will need to have all your child's documents in order. Like I said above, it is a good idea to keep a copy of her notarized birth certificate with you. Verify what travel documents you will need in advance to make sure you have everything.
3.) You can take a stroller and gate check it. This means that you will be able to use it all the way up until the time that you board, and one of the handlers will take it and put it in a special compartment for you. When you exit the plane, it will be waiting for you at the door as well. You can also do this with your car seat if you'd like.
Here's a product that can attach to most car seats so that you can use it as a stroller and get it through the airport more easily. http://www.gogobabyz.com/products/gogo_kids.html
4.) A car seat is not required for use in an airplane, although it is beneficial. I advise using a CRS (Child Restraint System) because it is safe for the child - especially during turbulence, makes them feel secure, is more comfortable for both parent and child, will help your child sleep, and gives both of you the opportunity to relax a bit.
A CRS is a hard-backed child or infant safety seat (Car Seat) that is approved by the government for use in both motor vehicles and aircraft.
In order to be certified for use on an airplane, the car seat has to met the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (most car seats have this). Check the labels on the side of your car restraint for a sticker (words will be printed in red) for verification that your seat is safe for airplane use.
There is also a new device that is approved by the FAA for airline use ONLY. It is called CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) and costs $75. It weighs 1 pound, is certified for all phases of flight (taxiing, take off, turbulence and landing), adjusts to fit ALL size airplane seats, and is approved for kids 22â44 lbs.
http://www.kidsflysafe.com/
Many airlines offer half-price tickets so parents can be guaranteed that their child can travel in a CRS device. You should call your airline to ask for a discount and/or ask what the airline's policy is for using empty seats.
5.) For take-offs and landings (the WHOLE way up, and starting from the BEGINNING, or TOP of descent) -this can be done for both you and her:
The best ways are to alleviate the pressure are to:
*Give her something to drink (milk, water, juice - it doesn't matter)
*Give her hard candy or mints to suck on
*Give her gum to chew
*Tell her to yawn
*Pinch his nostrils shut, have her take a deep breath in through the mouth, then force the air into the back of the nose (gently, but with pressure) as if trying to blow her nose.
*Place hot damp towels (usually like the ones distributed to first and business class before take-off and landing to freshen up with - just ask a flight attendant for them) or paper towels that have been soaked in hot water and wrung out, at the bottom of two paper or styrofoam cups, then hold the cups over the ears.
*Gently but with some pressure, rub her neck repeatedly from the chin to the base of the neck. This will cause a swallowing motion that will relieve pressure build-up in the ears.
You can also try using a decongestant. It is always best to check with your doctor before using any type of medications though, to make sure you are using the one best suited to your childs needs.
6.) Bring Snacks! just add water packets of food, cheerios, goldfish, animal crackers, dried fruit, etc. are great. New regulations also allow you to take beverages (including water) from home as long as they are less than 3oz (100ml), -OR- beverages (including water) of any size that you have purchased from inside the security area onto planes. You can also bring a limited amount of baby food,yogurt, cheese, puddings, etc. with you also as long as they are in containers less than 3oz (100ml).
http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/prohibited/permitted-prohibited-items.shtm#9
Save your money when it comes to buying water though because the Flight Attendants will provide you with hot or cold water (or any other drink) free at any time that you request, no matter how many times you request it.
7.) Make sure to pack plenty of things to entertain your child, such as a few books, toys, a portable DVD player (or a laptop) with a few movies, and one or two comfort things such as a favorite blankie or stuffed animal.
My children like to bring along their own coloring books, a Doodle Pad, their Leap Pads (with a few booklets), and scrap paper that they can make their own drawings with and play games such as tic-tac-toe. My daughter used to like to bring along a doodle bear when she was younger so that she could draw on that as well, and my son likes to bring along some action figures to play with. I found that buying a Rose Art kit from Target (about $5 for the small one and $10 for the large one) is great! It has crayons, markers, coloring books, coloring sheets, and stickers that they can color. It definitely keeps them entertained!
You can also play games like pat-a-cake, or I-spy, and tell stories to your child as well. If you tell a story, try to make it an interactive one where your child has a part in it so she stays interested. This is also a good time to explain things that are happening or going to happen on the plane, and ask questions, such as what do you think the weather is going to be like when we land? etc.
You might also consider going to the store and letting your child pick out her own carry on bag and a few inexpensive toys that will be used only once on the plane. Be sure to pick out a few toys without her seeing so that she has an extra surprise when she opens her carry on.
Don't be afraid to get up and walk the aisles with your child. This will help to break up the length of the flight and let her stretch her muscles. In fact, this is good for everyone to do.
8.) Be sure to pack 2-3 changes of clothes for your child. You will need this in case she gets sick, spills something on herself, or in case your luggage gets lost.
9.) Keep your diaper bag well stocked with plenty of wipes, ointments and other essential things. Just remember the new law regulating liquids, gels, and such and pack accordingly. http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm You can usually find travel size baby products in stores and they are wonderful for plane use.
10.) Keep your doctors name and number with you. Also get the name and number of a doctor where you are visiting in case an emergency should come up.
Make sure you have a check-up with your doctor before leaving to make sure your child is healthy enough to fly. If your child has even a slight cold, the pressure in her ears during take-off and landing (even if you do the precaution methods) could leave her ears aching for days after the flight.
Most doctors recommend that if anyone is sick (such as being stuffed up or already having an earache), not to take the flight because of the potential damage to the ears. I know my husband and other pilots do not work if they are sick because of this danger.
11.) Bring any medications that you might need for your child should she get sick or that she takes regularly. Remember that if they are not prescription medications, the 3oz (100ml) rule applies to them and they must be kept in a clear plastic bag.
http://www.tsa.gov/311/index.shtm
Do NOT give your child medicine with the hopes of it making her sleep. This is not only cruel, but dangerous as well.
12.) Keep your calm. If you get stressed out, your child can pick up on it and it will make the travel that much harder.
13.) Last but not least, if help is offered to you, take it.
For more in-depth information, please visit: http://www.angelfire.com/jamiehassen79/flying_children.html
If I can be of any more help or assistance, please feel free to contact me.
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