Flying With Children

NASA Launches Programs For Kids

Some may think that just because space shuttles will fly no more, NASA will subsequently be no more. The crew from the final space shuttle mission, however, says that’s far from the case.

“NASA's not done, NASA's definitely still in the business of flying to space. We've got people flying in the space station 24/7 for the next nine, 10 years at least,” said Rex Walheim, NASA mission specialist.

To help hammer that point home with adults and kids, who potentially represent the future of the space program, NASA held an event called "What's Your Favorite Space" with a whole host of exhibits on space travel and engineering.

“The event is really to help the public understand what NASA does but bring it down on a level where anyone can understand it. The experiments that NASA's working on and the activities that we have for kids, they almost simulate one another in terms of applying science and math principles, and so we hope that will inspire kids to study those subjects,” said Sheri Beam of NASA.

In addition to events like these, NASA is working on a bunch of projects to reach out to children in ways that are comfortable for them. For example, there’s an entire comic book series called “Heroes of Engineering.”

That comic book, produced by the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and supported by NASA, not only highlights engineering success stories, but each issue also offers an at-home engineering challenge.

There are also Lego sets dedicated to NASA projects and video games like “NASA @ Home and City,” which teaches about where the organization's technology can be found in everyday life.

Kids seem to be getting the message.

“I think NASA's a lot of fun, and I came to learn about space,” said one child at the event.

Flying with children doesn't have to make your stress levels soar ...

There are far worse things than traveling in a plane with kids — but that can be easy to forget. In-air child chaos has triggered breakdowns in even the most patient of parents. Something about the mix of airplanes, air pressure and claustrophobic seating can cause the sweetest kid to transform into every parent's nightmare. But before you decide to cancel all family vacations until your kid's 10th birthday, let us provide some hope and help.

How to dress: We've all seen families who don matching clothes at Disney World, malls or festivals. And look dorky they do, but trust me, there's good reason for those personalized neon-green "Griswold Family Vacation" T-shirts. Dressing in comfortable yet noticeable clothing helps you keep a better eye on everyone in your party. If anyone gets lost, it's easy to remember what they were wearing. It's also simpler for little ones to track Mommy and Daddy in a crowd. In your travel backpack, store an extra shirt for the kiddos; what they start off in will be filthy by the time you land.

Which bathroom supplies to pack: Don't forget extra diapers and wipes. Ask the flight crew about changing tables in the bathrooms, and if they don't have changing tables, ask if they have a preference on how you should handle this. They will be grateful that you've cared enough to inquire and might go out of their way to accommodate you. Bring some large pins with you and attach them to a blanket. This will help you create a makeshift privacy area if you must change diapers at your seat.

What to put in your carry-on: Be sure to include extra diapers, toys, food and more in your in-flight backpack. Put snacks in individual bags and be sure to pack wet wipes, napkins, utensils and bibs. If you need something warmed up, let the flight staff know early on. Most planes don't use microwaves to heat and will need time to warm your food.

What activities to pack: When it comes to entertaining your child, think small. Stash plastic bags with a little of this and a little of that. Come equipped with a variety of activities, such as a deck of cards, pens or pencils, paper, puzzles, little books, stickers and more. Take one out at a time to keep your child entertained. Give up the anti-TV campaign, and let your child sit back and enjoy the in-flight shows or movies.

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