Family Travel: How to Handle a Tantrum at the Airport

Posted on Jan 27, 2016 | 14 comments

Tantrums suck, no matter where you are. No family escapes them. Just as they can disrupt any day, they can push an already stressful travel day right over the edge.

If your tot is prone to tantrums, or even if they just have the occasional tantrum, with a little finesse and some parenting magic, you can learn to handle it with grace and style no matter where you are!

Over the years I have put together some tips and tricks that have kept my children (and myself) from completely melting down.

Here is How to Handle a Tantrum at the Airport

Know the signs – you know your child best. Be aware of their warning signs that they are entering the danger zone. Sometimes knowing what is coming gives you the time to react and diffuse the situation.

Be prepared – you are taking your child out of their routine, which for some can be scary. Come prepared with their favorite snacks and a special blanky/stuffed animal. Also be sure to check with airlines to make sure everything is on time before leaving the house. I like to take a screen shot of all of my confirmation numbers, travel times and destinations and emergency info so it is easily accessible on my phone – even in mid-tantrum!

Get silly – sometimes making crazy statements can break the tension and get things back on track. For instance when my kids would get tired of walking I would suggest we just unpack right there in the terminal and just live there… forever… Or if they don’t want to wait for the plane anymore I say ok, I will call you a cab and send you home and have the adventure all to myself!

Get your game on – I Spy, a scavenger hunt, and rhyming games are all great choices that will help distract from the tantrum – which may have really just been a cry for attention.

Find a quiet spot – as a toddler, it can sometimes be scary to be around so many people rushing. Find a quiet spot – many airports have family restrooms, family waiting rooms or even a currently empty gate area works – and hold your child, reassuringly, until the storm has passed. Then carefully head back to your gate and perhaps play I Spy, or your favorite game, to keep the child engaged and calm.

Do the unexpected – when all else is failing I have a tendency to do something crazy – whether it is dance, sing or talk in a funny voice to completely surprise my children right out of their screaming fit.

Put on your phone – a common cause of tantrums is the child is feeling anxious in a new, busy environment. Let your child sit on your lap and watch their favorite show on your phone or tablet to help them disconnect from their current surroundings and find their calm.

Speak softly – in the heat of the moment, I have to remind myself that yelling only elevates the tantrum. Quietly and softly reassure your child that they are all right. Your calm, quiet, steady voice –studies show- will help to relax and diffuse the situation.

Ignore the Judgy McJudgy pants sitting near you – there will always be someone around who knows better than us parents – sometimes they even have to tell us what we are doing wrong in the moment. TUNE THEM OUT!!! Focus on your baby. Most people understand and are even happy to help so don’t let the miserable few bother you. Remember that eventually, you will board, take off, land and leave – never to see most of those people again!

What are your great tips for tantrums at the airport?

Malibu Mama Loves Xx

#Familytravel #conscioustravel

Share on Facebook

Tweet

Follow us

Save