Traveling can be stressful for everyone.

Air travel can be really hard

However, it can be especially stressful for those traveling with young kids or large families. While they do often get extra time to board, the actual plane ride itself can be very difficult for younger kids. It can also be difficult for YOU if you’re seated around young children. And one of the most frustrating things that can happen is when a child is contiually kicking the back of your seat. Yeah, we’ve been there, too.

So HOW do you handle it without coming off as mean, or without reprimanding someone else’s child — which just never really goes well? We thought we’d bring you a couple of ideas.

Patience goes a LONG way

Yes, it’s annoying as all get out. Yes, it could be disturbing your rest, your work, or just your relaxing start to your vacation. But we always put on our patience pants when we’re headed for a day of air travel, and we hope you do, too. Chances are good that as soon as an adult with the child notices the kicking, they’ll put a stop to it. So take a deep breath and give it a few minutes.

Other airline passengers can be a source of stress on your flight.

If the kicking continues…

If you don’t hear an adult asking the child to stop and the kicking continues, kill them with kindness, as the old saying goes. As Flight Attendant Susan Marks told CN Traveler, “Parents know their kids are being disruptive. It only adds fuel to the fire if another passenger jumps in and reiterates that to the parent as if they weren’t already aware.”

Turn around and smile at the parent and the child. That should signal that you’re very aware of the child’s presence and actions, and perhaps prompt the adult to reiterate that the child should stop.

@JetBlue Airways

Help out a parent in the trenches

If the adult with the kicking child seems to be struggling with managing the situation, you may want to offer help or a distraction if you’re comfortable doing so. Do you have keys that jangle that a baby may enjoy? What about some extra paper to make a paper airplane, or do you have any items you brought for your own child that they’re not using?

©Southwest

At your wits’ end?

If the kicking continues with no end in sight, then it’s time to get a flight attendant involved.

Night flights sometimes aren’t any easier

Flight attendants are trained to handle all kinds of disturbances, and will be able to address the parent and/or child with kindness and empathy. They may also be able to offer distractions, such as a small toy or a blanket to make the child more comoftable.

Sunset on a Southwest plane

It’s important to avoid escalating and getting flight attendants involved unless it’s being used as a last resort. As we said earlier, while a disruptive child is hard to deal with on the flight, 90% of the time the child’s parent is just as stressed, if not more stressed, than you are. A little empathy and understanding can go a long way!

©Delta

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