With the Holiday Season, many will be flying,of course..and traveling with a young child can be a challenge and with any child that has behavioral differences this can present often an even bigger challenge! So, this is a Great Question!
You didn't mention the age of your child, so I will discuss this as if it is a child in the 7-10 year range. Also, you didn't mention if the child took medication or not, or if so if it is helpful...BUT, first if your child is on Medication For ADHD,even if only usually takes it for school, would discuss with the prescribing doctor of the medication, your child taking it for the trip...as airports, are crowded (especially at the holidays, so lots of extra stimuli for distractions and opportunities for impulsivity) and discuss its use on the trip dependent likely upon activities.
With the above, aside:
1.) When possible book a direct flight, changing planes is an extra disruption so if can be avoided that would be preferred.
2) Arrive Early at airport so plenty of time to check in and be ready to board on time.
3.) Often am flights are more on time, yet I have had parents tell me if their child
Is a good sleeper, then For them they prefer night flying with child asleep...but if arrive in the evening you have to get that sleepy child off the Plane and to the baggage claim, etc...so just plan accordingly,
4.)if there has been a great deal of difficulty flying before due to behaviors,
Then seek your doctor's opinion on a medical note for the trip to board early or for special seating arrangements, it never hurts to ask and being prepared is key.
5.) Have everything organized for the trip ahead of time, and keep up with boarding passes yourself even if child must walk through scanner with boarding pass, collect it immediately from them and you keep up with it.
6.) make sure you and all passengers are well rested before the trip and well fed...poor sleep or lack of food can wreck havoc with any situation with or without ADHD.
7.) Finally, caregiver/parent take care of YOU, make sure you are well rested and do some relaxing things for you days before departure so you are in a relaxed and patient state. Patience will be Golden here. And we all know how children pick up on the overall vibes of the adults with them..so the more in control and organized you are with yourself and your things, then the whole trip will go much more smoothly! And enjoy, breathe, deep breaths, and savor the moments of the season
TO Your Best Travels Yet,
Doc Amy 007
disclaimer...always discuss everything with your treating physician, and in this case your child's treating physician, this info is just a guide to help you as you
Journey but does not constitute a doctor-patient relationship,of course!