If you're going to be flying with your child, you probably know that it's not going to be an easy venture. In fact, flying with young children can be like trying to a litter of rambunctious puppies into one corner, all at once. It's going to take time, patience, and nerves of steel. Having said that, it's important to know that will careful planning, and a willingness to forego those plans, traveling with young children is possible. It can even be fun. Here are four simple steps you should take to make air travel enjoyable for you and your child.

Pad Your Schedule

There's nothing worse than running behind schedule while you're traveling, especially when you're traveling by air. The airlines will not wait for you, even if you're traveling with a small child. To avoid frustration, and being left behind at the gate, pad your schedule. Begin preparations by arranging your schedule for about an hour in advance. The added time will ensure that you can get everything done, corral your youngster, and still arrive at the airport on time.

Bring a Travel Tray Along

If you've ever flown on a plane before, you know that passenger space is a commodity reserved for first class travelers. The fold-down trays in front of you don't provide nearly enough room for your child, let alone all their snacks. When planning for your trip, pick up a child's travel tray to bring along. The travel tray is equipped with individual compartments for your child's snacks and juice boxes. Best of all, it will fit right over your child's lap so that everything they need will be right at their fingertips.

Give Them an Assignment

Children love to be given something to do. It makes them feel important. Not only that, giving children something to do holds their attention when they might otherwise be getting bored. If your child is old enough, give them their very own travel assignment. Give them a disposable camera, and have them take pictures of the trip. Your child will be kept busy taking pictures throughout the flight. If you don't want to use a disposable camera, purchase an inexpensive digital camera for them. Not only will they be able to take pictures of their travels, they'll also be able to look at the pictures they've taken.

Grab the Apps

Children love to play games when they travel. Unfortunately, you don't always have enough room to carry a bunch of toys and games for your kids. That's where apps come in handy. If your child is old enough to handle their own tablet, bring one along for them. Download games, movies and music for them, and bring a pair of headphones along. Your child will spend the flight entertaining themselves with their own apps.

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