"The truth is, children's behavior on airplanes reflects something deeper about modern family life. Parents are not doing anything wrong; today's world makes it unusually difficult to let children experience discomfort. We're surrounded by quick fixes and instant distractions, and many of us feel pressure to keep our kids calm and content at all times. But when children never have the chance to be uncomfortable, they also miss the chance to learn how to manage it."
"Although there isn't long-term data comparing children's airplane behavior across generations, surveys suggest that parents today experience far greater stress when flying with kids. A 2023 Expedia Family Travel Report found that 56 percent of parents describe air travel with young children as " anxiety-inducing," and more than half admit to relying on screens to manage behavior. Developmental psychologists note that this reflects a broader cultural pattern: rising screen dependence and declining tolerance for boredom and frustration, which make long flights especially challenging."
Children's difficult behavior on airplanes often stems from limited self-regulation, confined spaces, long waits, and sensory overload that amplify discomfort. Modern environments encourage constant distraction and quick fixes, reducing opportunities for boredom and frustration tolerance. Many parents rely on screens to manage behavior, increasing screen dependence and lowering tolerance for discomfort. Surveys show parents report higher stress during air travel, with a majority finding flights anxiety-inducing. Teaching self-soothing skills, setting firm predictable limits balanced with empathy, modeling calm emotional regulation, and normalizing waiting can build children's capacity to handle discomfort and reduce flight-related meltdowns.
Read at Psychology Today
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