Parenting Kindly

I was nervous. Like, stomach-in-knots, overpacked-the-snacks nervous.

The idea of being stuck in a flying tube with a restless toddler and a hundred strangers felt like asking for a meltdown, hers and mine. I imagined the glares, the tantrums, the desperate pacing up and down the aisle. I pre-apologized in my head to every passenger within a three-row radius.

But here’s what actually happened:

She smiled at the flight attendants. She looked out the window with wonder. She snacked, she played, she giggled. No tantrums. Not even on landing. She surprised me in the best way possible, and reminded me that sometimes, our fears are louder than reality.

So if you’re a parent dreading your first flight with a toddler, I see you. And I want to offer a bit of encouragement, and some practical tips that made all the difference on our trip.

✨ What Helped Us Most (Besides Snacks)

Honestly? I think expecting it to be hard made me more prepared and more present. But these things made a huge difference:

1. A calm start to the day

We kept things slow the morning of the flight. No rushing = less overwhelm for both of us.

2. Flexible expectations

I reminded myself that crying is okay, movement is okay, and kids are allowed to be human, even at 30,000 feet.

3. A well-packed carry-on

I brought toys she could explore quietly and independently (plus extras just in case).

🧸 Best Toys and Activities That Actually Helped

Here’s what we brought—and what she actually used (linked with affiliate suggestions):

• Water Wow! Reusable Coloring Books – No mess, lots of fun. She loved watching the colors appear, and I loved not having to clean anything up.
• Montessori Busy Board – Buttons, zippers, laces, endless little tasks to keep curious hands busy.
• Sensory Fidget Poppers – Simple and soothing. Bonus: doesn’t make noise.
• Mini Books or Board Books – We brought two of her favorites and one new one to keep things interesting.
• Reusable Sticker Pads – Great for windows, seat backs, and tray tables.
• Small Animal Figurines – She made up little games and kept herself entertained in her seat.

👉 Tip: Wrap one or two toys as “plane surprises.” It adds excitement and buys you a few extra calm minutes!

🧳 What I’d Pack Again

In addition to the toys, these were game-changers:

• Extra clothes (for both of us)
• Wet wipes and sanitizing spray
• A lightweight toddler blanket
• Wireless toddler headphones for white noise or soft music
• A soft snack pouch with fruit, puffs, and crackers

💛 The Real Win: Trusting My Toddler

Was it perfect? No. But it was good. And more than that, it was joyful.

We laughed. We connected. She was curious and brave in a new space. And I realized I don’t give her enough credit for how adaptable and wonderful she can be.

So if you’re about to travel with your toddler and feel that pit of fear in your stomach… I get it. But you might just be surprised too.