Fear of Flying

[cathyz]

Hi My 11 year old son is terrifyed at the thought of flying and we would really like to take him and his brother & sister abroad but we don't know how we'll get him to do it. Anything that is dark, loud or fast is a problem and we don't want to drive.

 

Has anyone any ideas or experience of this?

[JsMum]

This link is useful for children/adults about the fly and are on the Autistic Spectrum Disorder, they may have further information if your child is particularly scared of flying.

 

http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb....reness+book.pdf

 

http://www.manchesterairport.co.uk/manweb....ortAccessibilty

 

My son took a herbal medication that calmed down his nervous system that helped greatly. Ensure you take proffessional advice before doing this however.

 

He needed a lot of reasurance on the way home as there was a problem with baggage and the security of the plane, that didnt go down too well, but it did go to show that the crew take particular care when it comes to safety and once it was deemed safe we where able to fly.

 

There is some airlines that do courses for people who are scared of flying, there is a possiblity you will be allowed to go in one but not fly that day, just so you can get use to been on one.

 

This is what we did,

 

We visited the airport first, we stayed in a Hotel the night before and then we had assistance at all the checkins so reduced queing, personal assistance boarding and seats nearer to the front of plane.

 

We ordered the Airport Awareness booklet and went throw that together.

 

There is also those books like going to the Dentist, Doctor but there is onces for going to the Airport.

 

We had earphones, goodies for when the ears popped, and the plane had DVDs playing so the children/adults where distracted.

 

We took a small blanket as it can get cold on the plane.

 

Have water and other drinks available on the plane.

 

We took lots of photos of the aroplanes whilst at the airport so we could have these for memories and future reference.

 

J loved his journey in the end, he was looking throw the window and really enjoyed the excitement of the journey.

 

I dont particually like flying myself as I can feel ick, but I do lots of breathing exercises and try and relax as much as possible, it may be that he might require some Cognative Behaviour Technqeues to help him come throw the fears.

 

This is a good website for understand more on children and the fear of flying.

 

http://www.fearfreeflying.co.uk/FearOfFlyingInChildren.html

 

 

http://www.fearfreeflying.co.uk/FactsAboutAerophobia.html

 

 

I hope you have some success to get him on a plane.

 

JsMumxx