Dear Diary: Flying with Children

Dear Diary,

Flying back home with my children, and at least a dozen more, was a real test in staying grounded amid the nonstop chaos on the flight.

The plane was full of children, more than I think I’ve ever seen on one flight.

There were at least six families boarding with us, most with little ones under five.

Seated right beside me was a little girl having a very hard time: screaming, thrashing, refusing to sit during takeoff. My heart went out to her immediately. I’ve been there. My youngest was the same way during her first couple of flights; she hated the seat and would refuse to allow me to hold her.

This girl's parents handled it with such calm and patience, quietly soothing her until she finally realized everything was okay.

Directly behind us, though, was a very different kind of chaos. Another little one was NOT having any bit of being contained. His parents, clearly just as overwhelmed, were raising their voices louder....and louder.....trying to make themselves heard over his. It was stressful, tense and impossible to tune out. They had a tablet playing at full volume, and when the flight attendants asked them to turn it down, it somehow kept getting louder. I could feel everyone’s stress rising, mine included.

There were also a couple of babies somewhere near the back, taking turns crying with impressive lungs. I could practically feel the anxiety radiating from their parents, even though I couldn't see them.  I know that feeling too, when all you want is to disappear into your seat because you can feel the stares and imagine the judgment, even if no one’s really paying attention to you.

Through it all, I just kept glancing at my girls. They were calm, patient, and shockingly content. Two hours in a metal tube with minimal snacks, limited space, and dozens of overstimulated strangers. Somehow, they’re just so… chill. It’s like they can sense how close I am to unraveling and decided to anchor us all instead.

I don’t take that for granted. I know how easily a situation like this could have gone the other way.

By the time we landed, I wasn’t just grateful to be back on solid ground: I was grateful for the reminder that empathy really is the only way through moments like this. Everyone on that plane was just doing their best: some with more grace than others, sure, but all of us trying to get home in one piece.

And somehow, in all that chaos, I found a little bit of peace.

Love,

Della