How to Help Children Manage Jet Lag
Tips for Parents to Cope with Jet-lagged and Tired Kids
Jun 30, 2009
Jet-lagged and tired kids are often cranky kids. That’s a good reason many parents avoid travelling long distances with young children by plane. Fortunately, there are some good strategies to help kids manage jet lag. Here’s how to prepare kids before they step into the plane.
Prepare Kids for New Time Zone
If the family will be flying past a few time zones, it’s best to prepare the kids for the new time zone gradually. Do it a few days before the actual flight by moving their schedule one hour ahead or behind, depending on where the family is flying to, every day, says Penny Spencer, whose article “Jet Lag and Children” appears on the June 2009 issue of Aussie Kids, an Australian parenting magazine.
“If you can’t do this, try to keep the child awake the first day until the local bedtime. Also, be sure to wake them the next day at the local morning time,” Spencer writes.
Let Children Have Ample Rest
A long flight often leaves children exhausted and a bit disoriented, hence the need to let them have ample rest after arriving at the new destination. While on the flight, get them to sleep as much as possible. A favorite toy or pillow is always useful not only during the flight but at the new accommodation as well.
Once the family arrives at the hotel, rest first. There is no need to rush around. Try to stick to the children’s usual bedtime routine at home. Leave hectic activities until everyone is well-rested.
Get Kids Moving During Flight
While on the plane, encourage the kids to get up and walk up and down the aisle. A bit of circulation in the body is useful to manage jet lag for both adults and kids alike. Make sure they don’t run up and down and disturb the other passengers, though!
Spencer says the kids should also continue moving about after they’ve had enough rest upon arriving at their destination. A tour around the hotel, a dip in the hotel pool and a walk around the new city are good workout options for the family.
Feed Children Healthy Foods
Healthy food choices often improve children’s behavior. So prepare some healthy snacks and drinks ahead of the flight. Strive for a good balance of complex carbohydrates, protein, dietary fiber and fats. Avoid buying snacks at the airport as these are often loaded with sugars and other additives.
Also, remember to keep the kids hydrated during the flight with fluids, ideally plain water. Sugar drinks should be avoided as much as possible. Continue feeding children healthy foods and drinks during the holiday.
If parents can help children manage jet lag, chances are everyone will have a more pleasant long distance flight and holiday. Parents can cope with jet-lagged and tired children by preparing them for the new time zone, let them have enough rest, get the kids moving about and feed them healthy foods.
Found this article useful? Read also How to Travel with Kids, Flying with Kids and Surviving Long Flights with Children.
 |
