As we prepare for our flights from Auckland to Hanoi (via Kuala Lumpa) on Thursday night I wanted to share with you a simple but effective technique I have for keeping my kids together at the airport.
It is called – The Magic Ribbon.
I invented the Magic Ribbon when I had to fly solo with my three kids (then aged 23 months, 3 and 6 years) from France to Sydney. It worked so well on that trip, and the kids enjoyed it so much that I have used it for every international trip after that.
International airports involve so many “lining up” events that keeping kids from running off is a challenge.
How does the Magic Ribbon work?
Simple. I get a long, very pretty piece of ribbon and call it the Magic Ribbon. The one I have now is orange and sparkly.
The rules of the Magic Ribbon is that each girl must have hold of the ribbon at all times with me at the front. If we get to the next “lining up place” with everyone still holding on to the ribbon, everyone gets a mint (or other small sweet). Sometimes we sing while we walk, or do a silly walk … whatever it takes to keep the kids engaged in the Magic Ribbon.
We might look silly but I really don’t care. There is much less stress and tantrums at the airport when we use the Magic Ribbon.
Do you have a favourite travel trick for keeping kids together at the airport?
Want to Read More Articles Like This?
sign up and receive new articles delivered direct to your inbox
2 Comments. Leave new
Great idea! My son doesn’t eat sweets but he’s almost 3 so everything is a game, I’m sure he would stay engaged with this for quite a while without any rewards.
Glad this idea inspires you Amber! yes, creating “games” is a great way to tackle lots of things with travel. Our flight out of Auckland we were stuck in the worst baggage check in queue and nobody fast tracked us (which normally happens with 3 young kids) … so for over an hour I played games like “How many people can you see wearing glasses?” etc. I got about 15minutes out of that game – LOL