Simply Organized Online

Anyone who knows me {well} is familiar with my "travel adventures".

Like the time I spent 14 hours in the Seattle Airport only to be sent back home & miss the trip completely or the time when I entered the New Jersey Turnpike going the wrong way in a rental car at midnight {and completely confused the toll booth guy when I went through the second time}.

All this to help you understand why/how I embrace the situations around me as an opportunity to laugh & learn. So here we go ...

I flew from Chicago to Seattle sitting in front of a Dad with his two young boys today. The younger boy was 2 & as we were settling in for takeoff {you know, the time when you HAVE to stay in your own seat} the toddler was quite adamant about sitting on Dad's lap.

As a mom of The Teenager {almost 16} & The Pipsqueak {11} I'm familiar with what type of challenges & stresses a parent can be under while traveling.

I must say though, I had seen this Dad with his two Prince Charmings in the terminal before our flight & he had done an excellent job as traveling single dad {yes, Mom, you can be proud}.

As the anxiety in this little tike began to escalate my 'Mom Mode' kicked in & I began mentally reviewing the contents of my carry-on. What could I do to help this little guy stop focusing on what he couldn't have {Dad's lap} & begin focusing on something fun.

Brace yourself, here comes a cliche ...

I knew I had 1"x1" Post-It Notes & a pen. So I quickly retrieved them & communicated with the little guy via the space between the seats.

Me: "How old are you?"
Dad/Little Tike: "2"

Me: "Would you like to play a game?"
Little Tike: adorable grin & shy cuddle into Dad
Dad: "Sure" {mixed expression of relief & uncertainty}

Me: "Here's the first thing you'll need"
I handed him a simple Bic pen

Me: "Here's the second thing you'll need"
I handed him the Post-It Notes {yellow, white & green in color}

Me: "Now, do you know your ABC's? Or your numbers?"
Little Tike: "It's yellow!"

Me: "Oh, cool you know your colors! Can you draw me a picture?"
Dad: "Can you draw her a picture of something?"

{once he was done}

Me: "Ok, this is the final step. Can I see it?"
{he handed it to me through the seats}

I then reached back through the seats & made an attempt to stick it to the tray table in front of him.

Me: "It's sticky! Once you finish the drawing, stick it on here & you can look at them all!"
Little Tike: {a delighted squeal & he went immediately to work creating his collection}

A little bit after take off Dad returned the supplies & mouthed a "Thank You" over his sleeping little guy.

When everything had to be put away again at landing time I offered up the supplies for entertainment.

The Moral of the Story:

Sometimes it's the simple things {& a whole lot of creativity} that can help you get off the ground & land again.

And for all my parents out there, consider what the "take off/landing" activity will be for your young ones, it's easy to overlook.

Wishing you safe & creative travels,

april