6-Month-Old Baby Milestones

Six-month old milestones can be amazing!

By Sharon Rose   

     Your baby is 6-months-old and you have made it half-way through Baby's first year.  Your baby has grown so fast, about 1 1/2 to 2 pounds a month.  Now, expect your baby's weight gain to slow to about 1 pound a month, but look forward to many developmental milestones beginning at 6 months.  Get ready for giggles and more smiles.  Let's talk about what's next.    

     This is such an exciting time in your baby's growth and development. You can expect your baby to start sitting up alone by six months.  Babies will first hold themselves up, in a sitting position, with their hands.  One day you will turn towards your baby to see him sitting with no support.  Such a memorable moment!  ....and there's more! 

     A 6-month-old can be expected to roll from his back to his stomach.  You can no longer leave him alone on your big bed and think he will stay where you left him. Don't be surprised, if you put him to sleep in his crib on his back, to awaken to find him on his stomach.  That's an "Aha!" moment that most parents will always remember. 

     This is, also, the time that you can expect your baby to start crawling.  You will notice your baby on hands and knees rocking, back and forth.  Take the rocking back and forth as a clue that the crawling will begin soon.  At any moment they will just take off.  If you haven't already, you will need to child-proof your home.  Put anything of danger, such as poisonous cleaning products or sharp objects, out of reach.  You will find that your baby's curiosity is developing very fast and you will not want anything harmful to be in their path. 

     At 6-months, your pediatrician will usually recommend that you start your baby on solid food.  From my own parenting experience and research, I recommend that you start your baby with an iron-fortified rice cereal mixed with breast milk or formula.  Introduce strained fruits and vegetables one at a time.  Each time you introduce a new food wait a few days before introducing another to make sure your baby is not allergic to it.   A cautionary note: Do not give your baby honey until at least one-year-old because it can carry the bacteria that causes botulism.

     The grandparents will be so pleased to notice that their grandchild recognizes their faces.  At 6-months your baby knows the faces of parents, grandparents and other familiar family and friends.  A fear of strangers usually shows up about this time.  Babies are, also, fascinated with their own image. A mirror is a great toy to add at this age. 

     There will be more interaction between you and your baby.  Schedule playtime and enjoy playing with your baby.  Parents are baby's first playmates.  Babies love games like Peek-A-Boo and Pat-A-Cake.  Also, once your baby is sitting up on his own, bath-time play is so much more fun!  If you have other children, train them in the appropriate way to play with your baby and include them in Baby’s playtime.  

Playtime with your baby will bring smiles and happy giggles.

     There is so much to be expected with the milestones of 6-month-olds, and going forward.  It is helpful and important to know what to expect and to prepare yourself to do your best parenting.  Watching and waiting for your baby to do something new everyday has begun!  

*Tips for Your Baby’s Sixth Month:

1.  Be on the lookout for signs that your baby is not hitting important milestones, like babbling, sitting unassisted, smiling, making eye contact, or responding to sounds. If you’re concerned that your baby has missed any milestone, call your pediatrician. 

2.  Play peek-a-boo and similar games with your baby. It will help teach the idea of object permanence, that objects still exist, even when they’re out of sight. 

3.  Place toys just out of reach on the floor to encourage your baby to start crawling. 

4.  If you have older children, make sure to put away toys with tiny pieces to prevent your baby from choking.

*Research Note: "Tips for Your Baby’s Sixth Month,"  http://www.m.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/baby-development-6-month-old?page=5

Find more information on 6-month-old milestones:

http://www.cdc.gov/ncbddd/actearly/milestones/milestones-6mo.html?mobile=nocontent

http://parentswanttoknow101.blogspot.com/2011/09/starting-your-baby-on-solid-food.html?m=1

Copyright, "6-MONTH-OLD BABY MILESTONES," Parents Want to Know 101, Sharon Rose, June 18, 2014.  All rights reserved.  

The Family That Prays Together

By Sharon Rose     

     The family that prays together really does stand a greater chance of staying together. Praying together creates a situation that includes prayer, but extends beyond the words of the prayer. Praying together creates: forgiveness, intimacy, communication, and a commitment to focus on strengthening the family. The Bible tells us in James 5:16, "pray for each other so that you may be healed."  That would certainly include the 'family.'  

     How to get started: Make a plan for family prayer time, start slow, and with silent prayer, to get everyone comfortable; and do not use prayer as a way to preach and get complaints heard.  Pray for blessings and healing within the family. 

*More information on strengthening marriage and family: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/marriage

Copyright, Parents Want to Know 101, Sharon Rose, "Families That Pray Together," May 18, 2014.  All rights reserved.

How To Talk To Your Children

by Sharon Rose

Listening is an important part of talking to your children.

      Start with positive talking and listening. How your child "feels" about daily experiences, traumatic events, and the environment around him will be reflected in his behavior. Be prepared to talk to your child in a way to bring greater understanding to any situation and soothe fears away. If your child questions your authority, has a temper tantrum, starts a fight with a sibling, or is whiny and fretful all day don't react by yelling or becoming snappy and fussy. You will have missed a teaching moment. Importantly, start early in their lives having age appropriate talks during a relaxed time to build trust and a bond. Don't wait until there is a problem to talk to your child. Use this age-by-age-guide at the "source" we provide to help you get started and find a comfort zone for you and your child.


Source:http://raisingchildren.net.au/talking_with_kids/talking_to_school_age_guide.html

About Us:
FYI our fan page: www.facebook.com/parentswanttoknow101
Our blog: www.parentswanttoknow101.blogspot.com


Copyright, Parents Want to Know 101, Sharon Rose, "How to Talk to Your Children," May 2, 2014.  All rights reserved.

Storytelling By Grandparents

By Sharon Rose

     Storytelling by grandparents carries valuable life lessons and one's family history. When I was growing up one thing I took great joy in was sitting at my grandfather's feet as he told stories of his boyhood and of him as a young father and husband. With a touch of humor, he told stories of his childhood fears, difficulties, mistakes, and triumphs. My grandfather's stories and seeing all that he had achieved in raising a family, being a good father, husband, and grandfather, gave me courage and hope for what is possible in life if you are persistent and keep a positive attitude. Grandparents' wisdom and memories should be passed down like an heirloom, and it is often young grandchildren who make the best listeners. Make a connection with grandparents. They are the keeper of dreams!



Copyright, Parents Want to Know 101, "Storytelling By Grandparents," Sharon Rose, April 23, 2014. All rights reserved. 

Parents Want to Know 101: Toy Guide 2014 - 2015

By Sharon Rose

Our all new list for 2014 - 2015.  Unique, fun, and educational toys. *Prices taken from Walmart price list, unless otherwise stated.  Prices will vary throughout holiday.  *Some prices given found online. 

1.   Xbox One Bundles; Ages 5 to adult; prices vary.  Includes, Xbox One Halo: The Master Chief Collection Bundle - $329; Xbox One with Kinect and Forza 5 Motorsport - $429.99; Xbox One Bundle with Choice of 1 game & 12-month Xbox Live Gold Card $379.
  

Xbox

 2.   Fisher Price Smart Screen Laptop; Ages 6 mos. to 3 yrs.; Price: $18.88. Description: Baby appropriate laptop animated LED screen, sing-a-long songs in English and Spanish.

3.   Laugh & Learn Crawl Around Car, Fisher Price; Ages 6 mos. - 3yrs.; Price: $38.99, Amazon.com.  Description: Shaped like a car and child sits in it to play.  Plays more than 75 songs to sing-a-long with, can twist steering wheel, honk horn, shift gears and turn the key, etc.  Imaginative play.

Laugh & Learn Crawl Around Car, Fisher Price

4.  Parum Pum-Pum Drum; Ages 18 months +; Price: $34.00; Description: Comes with drumsticks, jingle bells, tambourine, maracas with clackers, and 2 egg shakers.  All fit inside for easy travel.

Parum Pum-Pum

 

5.  Bright Eyes Blanket; Ages 3 and older; Price: $19.99, online purchase only. Description: Use for blanket, towel, or dress-up; choose from puppy, duck, panda, or kitten attached hood.   

6.   Fisher Price Classic Two Tune TV; Ages 1 yr. and up; Price: $18.74, Amazon.com.  Description: this picture, music box has been around for generations to enjoy. Plays, "Row Row Row Your Boat," and "London Bridge Is Falling Down," while related scenes scroll across the screen.

Fisher Price Classic Two Tune TV

7.   Melissa & Doug Classic ABC Wagon Pull Cart, Ages 3 yrs. and up; Price $12.99, Amazon.com. Description: 30 alphabet blocks, a colorful way to learn the ABCs. Use as building blocks and pull in cart. 

8.   Hot Wheels Street Hawk, Remote Control Flying Car; Ages 5 - 15. Price: $49.92. Description: Lots of excitement when kids see this flying car take to the skies.

Hot Wheels Remote Control Flying Car

 

9.  Teksta Robotic Puppy Blue; Ages 5 yrs. and up; Price: $114.00, Amazon.com.  Description: Robotic puppy responds to voice commands, lights up, makes sounds; interactive fun.

Teksta Robotic Puppy Blue

  

10.  Zoomer-Interactive Dino, by Leap Frog; Ages 3 +; Price: $79.88.  Description: Roars, moveable, and ready to be trained by his owner to dance, follow you around, and more.  The perfect pre-historic pet.  Has storage section to hide away treasures. 

Zoomer Interactive Dino

 

11.  LeapFrog LeapPad Ultra Kids Learning Tablet - pink or green;  Ages 4 - 9 yrs.; Price: $149.99, Target. Description: WiFi /Kid Safe Web, pre-screened by Leapfrog has appropriate content only. Play games, download music, write, draw, search, etc. 

LeapFrog LeapPad Ultra Kids Learning Tablet 

12.  Vtech Kidizoom Smartwatch; Age 4 +.  Price:$49.99, Kmart. Description: Perfect for young photographers, this durable smartwatch makes it easy to take photos and record videos on the go.

Vtech Kidizoom Smartwatch

 

  

 13.  VTech Pop & Count Vacuum; Ages 12 mos. - 36 mos.; Price: $19.49, Amazon.com. Description: Interactive push toy introduces counting, has sing-along songs, and more.

VTech Pop & Count Vacuum

14.  Nintendo Wii Gaming System in Black Bundle with Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort; Ages 6 yrs. and up; Price: $129.00.  Description: Action packed games; you control action on screen; includes Wii console, remote,  nonchuck and game. Other games available include: Michael Jackson: The Experience, $14.96, Walmart, and Just Dance Kids 2014,$39.25, Amazon.com.

  

15.  Furby Boom, by Hasbro; Ages 6 yrs. and up; Price: $63.99. Description: Comes in many colors and bold designs. Plush interactive toy that talks, dances, blinks, etc. Develops a personality based on how you play with it. Comes with an app that you use to take care of your Furby Boom: bath, dress, and even have it hatch an egg to create a new generation of Furbies.

Furby Boom, by Hasbro

 16.  Leap Frog Tag Learning System & Books; Ages 3 yrs. and up; Price: From $38.00 up. Description: Encourages beginners to read; uses “touch to word” wand with audio.  

17.  Fisher-Price Laugh & Learn - Learning Puppy; Ages 6 mos. - 36 mos. Price: $17.99, Amazon.com. Description: huggable toy that teaches alphabet, numbers,  counting, parts of the body, sing-a-longs and more. Heart lights up and twinkles to the music. 

18.  Mini Micro 3 in 1 Scooter; Ages 1 - 5; Price: $91.99, Amazon.com. Description: Available in various colors.

Mini Micro 3 in 1 Scooter

 

 19.  FurReal Friends Get Up and Go Go My Walking Plush Pup Pet; Age 4 +. Price: $26.99, Amazon.com.   Description: Experience what it's like owning a cuddly pet.  Plush pup is controlled by lease to walk it, wags tail, tilts head, barks when you talk to it, and more.   *See other FurReal Friends.  Prices of other animals vary.



FurReal Friends Get Up and Go Go My Walking Plush Pup

 20.  LEGO Legends of Chima The Lion CHI Temple; Ages 8 - 14 yrs.; 

Price: $119.99, ToysRus. Description: An epic Battle of the Chi is played out with Legos. Includes 7 mini-figures with weapons. Imaginative play and Lego skill. 

 21.  Flutterbye Flying Fairy Doll; Ages 5 - 9; Price: $24.77. Description: Launches from base and magically flies through the air.  See instructions.

Flutterbye Flying Fairy Doll

 22.  Disney Frozen Sparkle Princess Elsa Doll; Age 4+. Price: $14.99. Frozen Sparkle Anna; Price: $12.79.  Amazon.com

Frozen Elsa & Anna

 

23.  Baby Alive Wanna’ Walk Doll; Ages 3 and up; Price: $34.88. Description: Doll walks and talks. Over 40 fun phrases and sounds. 

 24.  Barbie Collector Holiday Doll 2014, Ages 6 & up; Price: $33.97,  Amazon.com.  Description: From the Barbie collection of dolls, wearing a beautiful, red, shimmery gown.  Popular with collectors.



Barbie Holiday Collector Doll 2014

 

 25.  Sofia the First Talking Sofia Doll and Animal Friends Play Set; Ages 3 yrs. and up; Price: $32.88. Description: Sofia, dressed in a beautiful ball gown and crown can talk to the animals. Imaginative play.

Sofia the First Talking Sofia Doll and Animal Friends Play Set

26.  Hot Wheels Wall Wheel Starter Set, by Mattel; Ages 4 yrs. and up; Price: $47.97. Description: Race track that mounts on wall at eye level; wall protective strips provided.

27.  VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker; Ages 9 mos. - 36 mos.; Price: $29.99; Amazon.com. Description: Helps your baby go from crawling to walking while having fun and learning with the removable activity board.

VTech Sit-to-Stand Learning Walker

28.  First Act Disney Mater Acoustic Guitar; Ages 4 yrs. and up; Price: $39.94, Amazon.com. Description: Starter instrument - Cinderella, Lightening McQueen pictures on guitar, etc.  *Prices vary depending on Disney character and level of instrument. 

29.  Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes; Ages 0 - 6 mos.; Price: $8.00, Amazon.com.  Description: Baby version of MP3 player. Promotes an appreciation for music, has colorful dancing lights, and handle to carry along.  Baby will hear classical tunes by Mozart, Chopin, etc.

Baby Einstein Take Along Tunes

30.  Leap Frog Pad 2 Power Kids' Tablet for Learning; Ages 4 – 9 yrs.; Price: $89.73.  Description: Kid-friendly tablet that imitates the iPads of their parents.  Includes rechargeable battery with battery pack; never buy batteries again ($40 value); take pictures and videos, play games, and much more.  Price shop this one as prices widely vary. 

31.  Simon Swipe Game; Ages 6 yrs. and up. Price: $14.76,  Amazon.com.  Description: It's the modern twist on a classic game, Simon.  It is a fast-paced game in which you remember and repeat the patterns. 

Simon  Swipe Game

32.  Disney Doc McStuffins Time for Your Check-up Doll; Ages 3-6 yrs.; Price: $32.97.  Description: African American doll is one of the hottest selling dolls, taken from Disney Channel TV show hit. Talking doll is dressed as doctor with bag of magical tools to fix toys. Includes talking lamb, Lambie. Batteries are included.

Disney Doc Mc Stuffins Time for Your Check-up Doll

33.  Disney Doc McStuffins Deluxe Get Better Check-Up Center; Ages 3 and up. Price: $69.99, ToysRus.  Description: Center has everything needed to heal the sick toys, to include The Big Book of Boo Boos to help in giving a diagnosis. 

34.  Evenflo Exersaucer, Mega Around Town; Price: $61.95; Evenflo Exersaucer Bounce & Learn Bee; Price $81.99. Evenflo Exersaucer Activity Center, Mega Splash; Price: $54.99. Ages 6 mos. - 14 mos., all at Amazon.com.  Description: Baby walker and bouncing toy; rocks, spins, and bounces.

Evenflo Exersaucer, Mega Around Town

35. Toy Story Power Blaster Buzz Lightyear  Action Figure; Ages 4 yrs. and up. Price:$33.74. Description: Battery-operated character from the movie has bonus items, including  a power blaster and energy shield, which fit into Buzz Lightyear's hands. Posable and talking action figure features retractable helmet and buttons that activate a variety of 20 well-known sayings and sound effects.

Toy Story Power Blaster Buzz Lightyear  Action Figure

36.  Strider ST-3 No Pedal Balance Bicycle; Price: $87.50 - $181.99, Amazon.com.  Description: Pre-bike, balance bicycle for toddlers.  Comes in girl and boy colors.  Fits height 30" to 44" tall.  *Note that there are no pedals.

Strider ST-3 No Pedal Balance Bicycle

37.  Spider-Man Boy's Bicycle (Multi-16 inch); Ages - Base on height of child; likely will need to try out for height; Price: $79.99, Amazon.com.  Description: Comes with training wheels, adjustable seat, movie graphics. 

38.  Razor Crazy Cart,  Ages 9+; Price: $349.99, ToysRus.  

Description: Go cart style riding toy goes forward, reverse, sideways, diagonally, and everything In-between. Goes speeds of up to 12 Mph. 

39.   Y – Volution Y Fliker F1 Scooter; Ages 5-9 yrs.; Price $99.99, ToysRus.  Description: Unique 3 wheel scooter.

Y – Volution Y Fliker F1 Scooter

40.  Fisher-Price Little People Animal Fun Sounds Farm; Ages 1 yr. - 4 yrs. Price: $37.99. Description: Imaginative play with farm, Farmer Jed, and animals who make sounds.

Fisher-Price Little People Animal Fun Sounds Farm

41.  Imaginarium Mountain Rock Train Table, Ages 3 and up; Price: $109.99, ToysRus. Description: NEW, table and train set has over 100 pieces and 23+ feet of track. There are 5 different play areas, including Two Tower Bridge with lights and sounds, a 2-Level Mountain Tunnel, and Passenger Train Station. Hear the sounds of a real working train station. *Price shop; prices vary widely.



Imaginarium Mountain Rock Train Table

42.  Bright Star, Having a Ball, Get Cookin' Kitchen; Age 1 year +; Price: $34.99, Target.  Description: Playtime in the kitchen, with 2-sided display.

Bright Star, Having a Ball, Get Cookin' Kitchen

 

43.  Tabeo E2 8 Inch Kids Tablet- Silver (personal computer); Ages 6 - 11; Price:$189.98, Amazon.com. Description: kids' tablet, like adult version, to explore the Internet, watch movies, play games, etc. 

44.  Fisher-Price Imaginext Super Friends Batcave; Ages 3 - 8; Price: $45.99, Amazon.com. Description: Kids can pretend to protect Gotham City while living in the Batcave. Super heroes Batman and Robin mini-figures included and more. 

45.  Monopoly Empire Game, by Hasbro; Ages 8 yrs. and up; Price: $21.99, Amazon.com. Description: Classic game with a new twist. Players buy their favorite brands and offices to build to the very top of their tower. Win by filling your tower with billboards.  

Monopoly Empire Game

46.  Our Generation 20" Thoroughbred Horse, and Our Generation Lipizzaner Horse, and various other models w/accessories; Age 3 +; Prices $13.99 - $27.99, Target.  Description: Includes saddle and saddle pad, bridle with reins, blinders, a pair of leg warmers, a brush, a carrot, a bottle, and a trophy.  Various horses have varied accessories.

 

 

 

Our Generation Thoroughbred Horse and Our Generation Lipizzaner Horse



47.  Our Generation Horse Stable; Age 8 +; Price: $112.00, Amazon.com.  Description: Pretty pink stable includes 3 stalls for horses and every thing needed for a little girl to care for her horse.  Fits 18" American Girl Doll.

Our Generation Horse Stable

48.  American Girl Doll; Age 8 +; Price: varies from about $174.00 - $275.00.  Many choices for doll outfits and accessories with varying prices.  Description: Dolls who represent girls from many walks of life, circumstances, cultures, historical eras, and achievements.

 

 

 

American Girl: Sonali, doll with horse riding outfit, doll having hospital visit.

 

 

 49.  Woofer, Hound Dog Guitar; Ages 2+; Price: $19.99, Target.  Description: Plays 20 familiar to and 9 doggie ditties.  Has realistic strings.

Woofer, Hound Dog Guitar

50. Elenco Snap Circuits Green - Alternative Energy Kit; Ages 8 +; Price: $48.95.  Description: Learn about energy sources by building any of 125 projects included in the kit. Create working electronics circuits that include, solar cells, windmill, LEDs, and more.

Copyright, Parents Want to Know 101: Toy Guide, 2014 - 2015, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, December 1, 2014.  All rights reserved.

Travel Guide for the Well-Traveled Family, Part 5: Traveling with Children

By Sharon Rose

I love to travel!  This is going to be fun!!

     Since it is the most challenging, we are going to talk about traveling on an airplane with children. I have heard some travel advisers strongly suggest traveling with children at nighttime so they will sleep and therefore not be a problem. I believe children should have the opportunity to travel anywhere and be wide awake so they can learn through the experience. The best way for children to learn is through exposure to the world they live in. Issues that come up while traveling with children, such as, flight delays, fidgety or boisterous behavior, cabin pressure, or a fellow passenger that has a low tolerance for children can be managed. Let’s get started sorting it out.

Safety

     A few days before you depart for vacation, take some time to go over basic safety rules and strategies with your kids, some of which may already be in place in your home.  A good way to approach this would be to remind them that these are rules that they are already familiar with because many are the same rules we have at home. The reminder is needed; after-all, the excitement of new places and experiences can be overwhelming, and curiosity may cause kids to set their rules aside.  Go over home phone number, address, and the proper use of the 911 emergency number. Since you are away from home it is vital that you child memorize your cell phone number, as well. There is also the option of creating a safety card, and have your child keep it with him, for example, in his pocket. The card should have all vital information on it, to include, the name of the hotel where you are staying, your cell phone number, and your first name.  If you don't mind writing on your child you can write your phone number on your child's arm. There is even a company that has introduced information temporary-tatoos for children with a space for the parents' phone number.  This, your child would not be able to loose, as with a card.  Remind young ones what to do if they get separated from you, who they can trust and about safety in numbers. Also, this is a good time to remind them of stranger-danger that you have, most likely, gone over many times.

Young, First-Time Fliers 

     Prepare children who are first-time fliers for what it is like going through the security checkpoint at the airport. Everyone, including the children, should wear shoes that are easy to take on and off.  Removing your shoes is just one of the strict safety measures in place at airports for all passengers, who are required to go through a security check-point.  Role play with your child the way in which travelers are required to go through the metal checkpoint door frame, the way it may "buzz," and why, how the wand is used to wave over the travelers body, and a "touching" body check done by the security agents.  Try to put your child at ease.  Although much of the extra security check actions may not happen, you would want to prepare your child just in case it does.  Taking the fear out of traveling for your child will make for a traveling experience filled with fun from beginning to end.  Get all the current facts of going through the security checkpoint at the airport, beforehand, in order to share them with your child. Once you board the plane, secure your child’s seat-belt and prepare to help him have an enjoyable flight.  Make it fun! 

Where's the Entertainment?

     There may be in-flight entertainment, but don't rely on it alone.  Many larger airlines have in-flight entertainment such as films, music, and even children's channels.  However, there are times when it might be broken or not appropriate for your child’s age group.  Also, wearing the headphones might irritate your child, in some way, because they are sized for adults.  Best bet, bring your own assortment of entertaining activities for your child.

Some suggestions are: (Choose a few of these from the list.)

1.   Portable video game consoles.
2.   MP3 player, plus music and audio books.
3.   An electronic book that can be played softly.
4.   Coloring books, activity books, blank drawing paper – Don’t forget the pencils and crayons!
5.   Stickers - These are useful for making designs on blank pages while drawing.
6.   Magnetic games - Buy the travel-size game kits.

7.   Books to read together.
8.   Flash-cards: 
9.   Kid's puzzle books - Sudoku, crosswords, find-a-word, mad-libs, jokes, etc. (One of my favorites.)
10. Print off some games to play on paper, such as tic-tac-toe, mazes or dot-to-dots. There are many such print-outs available on kids' websites online.
11.  A favorite stuffed animal or doll.

     Don’t forget to bring along some snacks in your carry-on bag.  Choose foods that are not packed with sugar and won’t melt or crumble apart and make a mess.  Licorice, apples, pretzels, cereal, and granola bars are good options. Try preparing these snacks in unique ways to keep it fun. Young kids will love cereal, like Cheerios or Fruit Loops, strung onto yarn to form an edible necklace.  You can also make up your own bags of trail mix with your child’s favorite combo’.

 

.....and More

      Reward your child for good behavior. Surprise and reward your child for his patience on long journeys. Wrap up a new toy and present him with it after he has proven that he has been well-behaved enough. Nothing big or expensive; check the dollar store in your area.  He will feel that you appreciate his cooperation.

     Have the kids become vacation planners right along with you, when age appropriate. Contact the tourism board or local chamber of commerce of your destination before leaving for your trip. Request travel brochures and tourist information. Arrange these in a folder for ease of viewing during the flight. Let the kids flip through the fliers and magazines while in flight to further prepare them and boost their enthusiasm

     A small challenge of flying with children is cabin pressure.  Rapid changes in cabin pressure can make little ears pop, so keep drinks, baby bottle, or pacifiers available for take-offs and landings (sucking helps reduce ear sensitivity). If your child is old enough to chew gum, try that. Chewing gum to combat the uncomfortable, sometimes painful feeling of cabin pressure is something that helps me. 

     Then, airplanes present unique challenges for parents with young children.  Kids under age two are not required by law to be restrained on airplanes, so it's up to every parent to decide how to travel.  If you decide to ride with baby on your lap, consider a flight vest that secures your child to your lap belt. These vests are not designed for use during takeoff and landing, but for cruising, when turbulence most often occurs. 

     The Federal Aviation Administration recommends that small children be seated in a car seat. However, this is not the law as in traveling in a car. The only way to guarantee that your child can use a car seat is to purchase a ticket. Some airlines offer discounted fares for kids under two. If that isn't a possibility, select a non-peak flight time that's more likely to have empty seats.

     Finally, ask questions when in doubt.  You’re ready for take off!!  Enjoy your flight!!

Copyright, Travel Tips for the Well-Traveled Family, Part 5: Traveling with Children, Sharon Rose, Parents Want to Know 101, July 11, 2013.  All rights reserved.