Traveling With Kids This Summer: The Art of the Bribe

— -- Your head leans against a cabin window as you start to nap on the flight home. Then it begins: the hammering assault of a kicking child, or the piercing scream of an angry infant. Or both.

If you're the parent of a youngster who's having trouble adjusting to his flight, forget a village. Sometimes it takes a bribe.

I've got some ideas about that for the three stages of offspring -- from toddlers to teens -- plus other handy travel tips. Some are original, some are from friends and colleagues, some are from the Internet. Good luck, traveling families!

Infants and Toddlers.

Good behavior bribes: You can't exactly bribe a baby; instead, anticipate what will set them off. Cabin pressure is a big trigger because even minor changes can hurt small ears; be sure to have bottles, pacifiers, lollipops or small candies (for toddlers) on hand, ready to place in little mouths. You may be opposed to sugary treats under normal circumstances but I assure you it's better than non-stop screaming.

Note: If your best efforts end in failure (it happens), try distributing ear plugs along with a smile and apology though I prefer the solution of the Luxury Travel Mom blogger who also smiles and apologizes then adds, "The drinks are on me."

Entertainment bribes: Bring an electronic device and make sure it includes "the" movie. You know the one: that animated adventure your child can watch over and over and over again (and then a few more times). When they tire of this, read to them but not on a device; children's books don't take up much space and little hands sometimes like to "feel" the illustrations.

Packing tips: Most airlines do not count a diaper bag against your allowance of a free carry-on and a personal item. Use it as intended and make sure it includes a favorite toy, but you can also stuff your own things in it like socks, underwear, maybe even some flip flops or sneakers (wrapped in plastic bags, of course).

Pre-Tweens

Good behavior bribes: Give them their favorite food. If this is a Milky Way bar, bring a bag of miniatures and dole out as needed. A win-win for fellow passengers and your dentist but when you're trapped in a sardine can at 35,000 feet with no escape, the risk of a few cavities are no big deal. Yes, I'm kidding (sort of) but you can always stick a toothbrush in a purse along with a travel-size tube of toothpaste.

Entertainment tips: They too will like movies and TV but more often they often want your attention so bring a deck of cards or a travel size game (there are several on Amazon for under $10) and never underestimated the lure of a blank pad of paper and crayons or colored pencils, also perfect for tic-tac-toe.

Related Stories

Man kills wife, 3 kids in mass shooting: Police

• Apr 23, 12:35 PM

Trump, NY AG resolve dispute over $175M bond

• Apr 22, 12:14 PM

OJ Simpson dies at 76

• Apr 11, 6:32 PM

Packing tips: An involved child is a happy child (OK, sometimes) so give them a rundown of vacation activities and ask them to help put together the clothes they'll need. Do not forget the stuffed animal that helps your child to sleep, and keep it in a carry-on so you'll have easy access to it on the plane.

Tweens and Teens

Good behavior bribes: If you can swing it, take a friend of the teen's on vacation with you and most potential "surly teen" tendencies will never materialize. Another suggestion is to have your teen pack his/her own carry-on bag with the understanding that the teen gets to keep the $50 saved from the bag fee to spend as he/she likes (again, if you can swing it). In any event, have the kid pack the bag so you can avoid hysterical complaints like, "Mom, why didn't you pack my [fill in the blank]?"

Entertainment tips: I don't think this will be a problem as most of them know far more than we do about the wonderful world of apps. You can always tick off some of your vacation's beauty spots ("I bet that would make a good shot for Instagram"). One other thought: suggest the teen include a couple of books from the school's summer reading list, downloaded to their device. If the school doesn't have one, there are plenty of good lists online; at the very least, you'll find some great reading material for yourself.

Packing tips: See the bribe section. Beyond that, be sure to ask a few questions: did you pack your charger cords, your bathing suit, your money? Once you get the correct answers, relax. Your job is done. Happy travels.

Opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the author.