Long haul flight, need DVD advice for tired tantrum avoidance....

[Smee]

Not sure where to post this, but we're off on a long haul night flight soon with DS (just 4). Loads of people have said take a portable DVD for sanity's sake/ emergencies, but am now looking for a treat to drag him through. He adores Power Rangers, but has seen it only once on tv. I saw it too and must say am none too keen, so is there anything else out there that is super hero like, but not so violent? (+ yes I am a liberal wuss.. Help welcomed, as I really haven't a clue..

[suzywong]

your long haul flight should have a plethora of children's tv on the inflight entertainment system.

I'm a LHF veteran and I say don't sweat it, it will be fine.

[Smee]

Thanks suzywong, am such a novice I hadn't thought that through. Last time I did a long flight there was only films (am a dinosaur really). Still would like suggestions though as we've a fair few hours in Singapore aiport to survive..

[orangina]

dd (3 and a half) loves peppa pig, and recently was as good as gold on a (not long haul) flight with it on the portable dvd player....

Not at all super hero like (!), but lovely to watch...?

[suzywong]

look, Singapore airport is like Alton Towers for kids
when I was there with mine, 6 and 4, in April the airport had set up relief artworks set in to a table top for kids to colour over int the manner of brass rubbings, there is an indoor soft play area and playstationsl and computer access. Think of the airport as a destination.

You'll be fine

where are you going

[orangina]

Also, useful to have a little treat box in your bag... if things got a bit tense for whatever reason, there was always the chance to choose a treat (filled little tupperware with jelly tots, raisins, maltesers etc.... all a bit sugary I know, but I know bits of fruit etc would not come under the heading of "treat"...!)

[Smee]

Thanks Orangina - I will carry treats! + he's not averse to a bit of Peppa Pig, but I think it would probably only keep him happy for a couple of eps rather than a chunk of time.
SW, that's amazing about Singapore Airport, I hadn't a clue. Does sound ideal, especially after sitting all night on a plane. Only thing that slightly worries me is if he doesn't sleep on the flight (+ he's never been that good at sleep!), he'll be daftly tired, so a few quiet things to keep him happy might be good too. Am of course hoping he'll sleep (ha!)

[suzywong]

palyground in changi

don't worry about his sleep patterns, make some time for you and dh to grab 40 winks, you are going to need to be refreshed as much as possible.

[Smee]

Thanks SW looks like an almost lovely place. I agree about sleep. We will very much try.. To be honest am not that stressed about it, as let's face it, it's only one day of my life. Am only trying to think ahead and take things that might make a difference. A new DVD might seem simple, but to a boy not used to much tv, it might be a distraction that'll work.
I can't quite bring myself to get Power Rangers though - I know he'd love it, but honestly...

[florenceuk]

DVDs don't have to be about Power Rangers - what about a nice movie? Finding Nemo, The Incredibles, Cars, Toy Story, that sort of thing? My DD loves musicals like the Sound of Music, Wizard of Oz, Mary Poppins, Annie - things I don't mind either. DS at that age was gripped by things like the Railway Children and Swallows and Amazons. There is a two for one deal on Disney DVDs at the moment. Check to see if you have video on demand for inflight entertainment, they will have a big selection.

[Buda]

My DS was really into Scooby Doo at 4.

He loved anything on Nick Jr too - Lazytown etc.

He did also like Power Rangers but prob more around age 5 really. Is now almost 7 and over it.

He also like things like tom and Jerry and Looney Tunes.

[Smee]

florenceuk - you're right and we have got a few films - he likes The Jungle Book, and Nemo, but I think I'm after a real treat that hooks into what he's into, though avoiding the dratted Rangers would suit me rather than him . Will see if I can get The Incredibles, as they're super heros, so it'd fit where he's at maybe. Am really after some shorter things than films might suit if he's tired. Might try Scooby Doo Buda, so thanks for that, had forgotten all about it.

[florenceuk]

Do you know anyone with a DVD recorder - you could tape a couple of hours of CBeebies or channel five (taking out the ads) and put it on a DVD? Tommy Zoom and Lunar Jim are very boy-friendly as well. What about old thunderbird episodes - DS loved those!

[Smee]

He's a weird one - likes Lunar Jim, is scared of Tommy Zoom, but loves the original black and white film of Godzilla... good suggestions though, so I might bug the grandparents to press record.

[Morloth]

We get a bunch of little toys (i.e. matchbox cars [tiny/lightweight]). Wrap them up and space them out as he gets bored.

Also at the stopover, RUN. HIS. LEGS. OFF.

Its really really hard on them being cramped for so long so when we are not actually on the plane, we are moving regardless of how tired we are.

Wetwipes are your friend. Just keep wiping and wiping and wiping, for some reason this helps us to stay calm.

Rescue Remedy lozenges are also a favourite (and really rather yummy!).

[Smee]

Rescue remedies. what be they?! Do they involve sedatives (only joking..). Where do you get them from Morloth?

[champagneandroses]

Hiya how about things he can learn too, might keep him occupied for a bit, Ive just bought my dd (3.5yrs) a learn french and learn spanish dvd and she was mesmerised by it, i got them for £3 each of amazon. Its a cartoon and colorful and bright so quite entertaining.

[Morloth]

Can get Rescue Remedy from the chemist (Boots has big range), you can get sprays, creams and lozenges. The cream is EXCELLENT for rehydrating on the flight.

They are flower remedies, made from chamomile etc. The lozenges are nice and chewy (so shut them up for 30seconds!) and taste like honey.

It might be in my head, but they really do seem to work.

The spray is good for adults but my DS hated.

Here ya go: www.rescueremedy.co.uk/

[Smee]

morloth, I'll run to Boots. Sounds great, and a good distraction, especially if I tell DS they're magic potions. He's very into magic..
C&R - French sounds good, as he's got an aunt in France. If you get a moment, could you let me know the name of the one your DD liked.