MLW: Prepare for takeoff, it's going to be a bumpy ride

There is a distinct difference between a vacation and a family trip. A vacation is when you go somewhere, wile away your cares, skip the laundry and sit on a beach drinking a mai tai. Okay — maybe I’m projecting. It does not have to be exactly like that, but a vacation is something that simply allows you to decompress.

On the other hand, there is the family trip. Also enjoyable but for other reasons. The packing/repacking, the diapers, juice boxes and laundry… None of it ends when you reach your destination. Whether you flew, drove or took the train, travelling as a family requires different preparations and expectations. There will, however, be memories to last a lifetime, including pictures and souvenirs that will serve as reminders of wonderful moments and quality family time.

Flying with children can also be a challenge and often an adventure. Having read an article many years ago on flying as a family, I make it a point to thank the people around us for their patience and understanding. It is difficult for kids to stay seated and quiet for hours, regardless of how many toys and distractions you bring along. While we are all in this together and no one is getting off mid-flight to catch a better ride, it is still appropriate to show your appreciation to your fellow passengers.

You also hope that even if other passengers are not as understanding as you would hope when your baby cries or your small child screams that he has to go to the bathroom now, you will at least have support from your fellow tribe members on the plane. Yes, the people located in front of us looked to change their seats. They did it, however, by politely asking the flight attendants and not by shooting us nasty glances. I might have asked to have my seat changed as well if I was flying alone. Other people on board, including some of the flight attendants, actually commented that my kids were behaving very nicely.

When a woman wearing a sheitel gave me dirty looks, I didn’t take her seriously.