September 2, 2024, 4:09 pm | Read time: 4 minutes

Not only adults suffer from a fear of flying, children are also often affected. There are many reasons for this. Here is what parents can do to help children overcome their fear of flying.

First and foremost, identifying the root cause of the anxiety is essential

Bad experiences on the last flight may have left the child feeling uneasy. This includes scenarios where the child felt restricted, such as being unable to move around or use the restroom. “This turns flying into a negative experience,” says Simonszent.

However, anxiety can also be a symptom of a completely different problem. For example, it is possible that children do not feel their parents are paying them sufficient attention. In such cases, they might express their fear as a way to seek attention.

Holger Simonszent explains that overcoming the fear of flying begins with children confronting it head-on. The first step is to look for the cause. If the fear only serves as a substitute symptom for missing needs, parents should try to satisfy the missing need. The same applies to anxiety caused by bad experiences: good testimonials from acquaintances or friends can take away the child’s fear.

Engaging in conversations before the trip is crucial

In general, parents should try to let the child experience the flight as something positive. This also includes talking about the upcoming trip as a family, says educationalist and author Karl Gebauer. Then, the child can help plan the trip and express their concerns.

It can also help to play through the situation on the plane in advance. Simonszent advises recreating the seating options on the plane with chairs. Parents should explain to the child that sitting on the plane is necessary. Riding the bus can help the child to understand this. “The experience of having to stay seated during a journey is comparable,” notes Simonszent.

Short-haul flights are also a good way of combating anxiety – but only if the child agrees. If the anxiety cannot be alleviated, parents should seek help. However, Simonszent only advises therapeutic help if the fear of flying is severe: the procedure for combating the fear of flying can then be clarified professionally.

Avoid being hurried

The following applies to the time before departure, at home, at the airport, and on the plane: parents should take their time. Stress can easily be passed on to the child, as Simonszent warns. For example, they can watch the planes together with the child before their own departure.

Parents should also make children aware of certain situations during the flight so that they can adjust to them. “Pressure fluctuations at high altitudes are usually announced in advance by the pilot,” says Prof. Peter Middendorf from the Institute of Aircraft Design at the University of Stuttgart. The hum during the flight can also be demystified: it’s often the sound of the engines at work.

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Creative tasks distract from anxiety

Distraction is essential during the flight. Therefore, toys, coloring materials, and books should be packed in hand luggage. “Through these activities, children can discover their ability to manage in situations that might seem perilous,” explains educator Gebauer. This means that their self-healing is strengthened through processes such as painting because creativity and the art of creation are encouraged.

This allows children to overcome fears and develop inner strength, which can help them overcome the fearful situation. Once the fear has been overcome, the child can experience the flight on vacation as a positive experience. Then, the path is clear for their next shared adventure in the skies.