If your child had to fly somewhere alone, would you prefer the airline seat him next to a man — or a woman?

Parents who answer "a woman" are in lock step with the policy of Virgin Air. The airline recently reseated a male passenger who was originally next to two young boys flying without their parents.

The passenger, a firefighter from Australia named Johnny McGirr, was angered and humiliated by the action, which he felt made him look like a suspected pedophile in the eyes of other passengers. But a child safety advocate interviewed by CNN named John Shehan counters that Virgin's policy lowers the risk of children being victimized, since "the overwhelming majority of sex offenders are male."

Virgin is currently reviewing their policy. Do you think they should change it?

Image Source: CNN

Have you ever sent your child off on a journey without you, one that involved a plane trip with a connecting flight? You probably placed a lot of faith in the airline's unaccompanied minor escort service.

In June, 10-year-old Phoebe Klebahn's parents did just that, only to discover that their daughter didn't arrive at her destination, a summer camp in Traverse City, Michigan. Klebahn flew United Airlines alone from San Francisco to Chicago, but didn't catch her connecting flight because the promised escort never showed, even after she asked flight attendants for help and access to a phone to call her parents.

Klebahn eventually made it to camp, but her parents are furious at United. How did the airline explain their error and apologize for the anxiety they caused the Kleban's family? Head over to the Huffington Post to find out.

Image Source: Huffington Post

Don’t get me wrong, I have albums filled with fun family vacations with my three kids.

We’ve spent many a June week collecting sea shells and floating on giant-sized dolphin rafts in the ocean at Sanibel Island. We’ve celebrated the winter break riding street cars in San Francisco clutching Ghirardelli ice cream cones. And we’ve traveled to Washington D. C. and stood outside the gates of the White House waiting for the president’s chopper to land on the South Lawn.

These “vacations," while fun, were a lot of work for me, and they have not gotten any easier as my kids reached their teens. A recent one we took, a Carnival Cruise to the Bahamas, introduced my kids to ports of call where teens under 18 can legally drink. My son made friends in the “teen” lounge and charged more than $250 in drinks to the "house" (that's be me) on his first night. Then there was the trip to Hotel Del in Coronado, where my kids weren't the least bit interested in the teen activities. Maybe there are some teens who want to participate in orchestrated activities with a guide, but the resort day camp concept (wth its built-in time-outs for parents) seems to be a thing of the past for my kids.

Which leads me to the current adventure I long for: a mom-cation. In my dreams, I imagine myself riding a bicycle from inn to inn in Ireland, showing up at small cottages in search of my ancestors. Or lying on a beach reading tons of books – alone with only my waters being billed to the tab. On one particularly challenging day, I even thought about making a detour off the high way en route to work and boarding the next plane at O’Hare for an undisclosed location.

It turns out my fantasy of a mom-cation is a popular one for many Circle of Moms members. Some moms, like Amy, have actually put the gears into motion. “I have already booked an all-inclusive vacation to Cancun,” she says, adding that she is leaving her 16-year-old daughter who “acts like she hates me all the time,” home with her ex-husband and his wife.

Her decision is receiving lots of support from other Circle of Moms members like Brittany B., who declares: “vacations away from [your] children (teens) will make you a better mom.” Julie P. also advises the teen-left-at-home vacation plan: “If a teen is misbehaving you should leave her alone with a caregiver. Otherwise, she will use your desire to enjoy the vacation as a free pass to act like a fool, knowing you will not want to ruin the entire trip [by disciplining her]."

As a mom of tweens ages eight and 10, Jen C. talks about her own plans for a vacation sans kids. “I am a single mom who spends every second with my children,” she says. “We took a vacation last October to the (Wisconsin) Dells, but it was nothing but kid time. It was fantastic, but now I feel I need a vacation from the vacation.”

But the reality is that leaving teens out of your vacation plans can be logistically difficult. Who’s going to “baby sit?” How do you afford it with college on the way? And while toddlers might forget that you left them home alone with Grandma, a teen will remind you over and over again how you left them behind.

So, for now, with two of my kids in college, my dreams for traveling solo remain in a holding pattern, somewhere between Guilt and Economically Infeasible.

To borrow from Dr. Seuss, “Oh the places you’ll go,” is a dream I hold closely, but with a little twist: alone!

Have you been on a Mom-cation without your teens?

Image Source: Graham Crumb via Flickr/Creative Commons

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, POPSUGAR.

Starting July 1st, children under 12 years old will no longer be allowed on the upper deck of some Malaysia Airlines flights. The airline has also stated that babies will not be welcome in its first class cabin. 

Last year Malaysia Airlines CEO Tengku Azmil posted on Twitter that the carrier received "many" complaints from passengers who buy expensive tickets for first class, but then can't sleep due to crying children. 

Families with children will still be able to sit in the lower deck's economy class section. Malaysia airlines is branding this 350-seat section as child-friendly, with facilities such as eight toilets and its own entrance. 

Read the full story at the Daily Mail.

Do you think having kid-free zones on airplanes is a good idea?

Image Source: Malaysiaairlines.com

If you are a working mom then you know getting out the door some mornings can send you over the edge. I’m talking restraining jacket at the loony bin.

Getting myself and three small kids ready and on our way all before the sun rises each day is a major feat, and doing it with ease is difficult. But when I follow the five tips below, my mornings run like a well-oiled machine.

1. Plan ahead. Pick out your clothes, pack lunches, and set out anything you need to take with you the night before. Including the plethora of cars, backpacks, blankies, and other junk your kids are attached to that week.
2. Cartoons are your friend. Honestly, a little Blues Clues or Dora first thing in the morning is not going to make or break your kids.
3. Feed the piggies! Have a bowl of dry cereal and a cup of milk waiting for when they wake up, an early morning snack can be a much needed distraction when rushing to get your make-up on and hair done.
4. Let it go. Do you need to make the bed every morning? Does the sink need to be clear of all dirty dishes before you walk out the door? Probably not. Learning to let go of the little things will go a long way at six in the morning.
5. If all else fails. Well, if all else fails, set the alarm for 4 a.m. and pray the kids don’t wake while you get ready in the peace & quiet. Just be ready to crash the minute you walk in the door at the end of your very long day.

Image Source: Via Google Images

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, POPSUGAR.

We are a family of frequent travelers. I will surely miss the frequency of it once our daughter starts school. But until then, we keep packing our bags and exploring the world around us.

For international travel, I take a little more time and care in getting my toddler packed and prepared. I would never want to run into the problem of not being able to find something I really needed in a country far away from home. Here is a list of eleven items that you should pack if you are brave enough to take your toddler on your next oversees adventure.

Passport

Yep, even your newborn would need one if you they were traveling with you to a foreign country.  So make sure you apply for it early.

Diapers

If your cutie is not yet potty trained, then you should take some diapers with you. It is not that you will not find diapers in a country away from home but, I really prefer to keep international trips simple by sticking with activities like relaxing, sightseeing, followed by more relaxing. In addition, the little derrière in my house likes to stick with brands of diapers that we know. Be sure to travel with your own plastic bags as well for proper waste disposal. Dirty diapers in combination with cramped or a small hotel room is never a good combination.  You can’t always depend on housekeeping to clean your hotel room on time anyway.

Diaper Cream

To prevent a vacation from being interrupted by an episode of nasty diaper rash or having the concierge track down an overpriced tube from the gift shop, I just travel with our own. If your little one is potty trained already, I'm envious and you should read on.

Wipes

If you are using diapers, then wipes are in order.  The convenience of a pharmacy on every corner may not be available.

Favorite Toys

Between the long plane ride, layovers and keeping tantrums at bay, it is just a good idea to come prepared, period. Don't forget to pack your child’s favorite books as well.

Dried Snacks and Medically Necessary Liquids

Crackers, cereal and other travel friendly snacks should be packed to keep your toddler happy.  Depending on what airline carrier you travel with, your toddler may not be happy with the "gourmet" treats on the plane either.  Then again, most people aren't. Be sure to also travel with any necessary medication that your child will need. In addition, check with the TSA for restrictions on traveling with food and liquids. And please don’t forget to pack the sanitizer!

Lovey/Stuffed animal

Packing a child's “lovey”, is like an insurance policy.  You never know if you will need it but, always make sure that you are not without it.

Immunization records

Your child's vaccinations should be updated before you leave. Make sure that all vaccinations are up to date and that no others are necessary for the country you will be visiting. Talking to your child’s pediatrician and websites like CDC.gov are a great place to start. In any case, I always travel with the immunization records, just in case.

Digital Thermometer

This one is pretty self explanatory.  Since germs and bacteria are ubiquitous you have to be prepared.  I pray that you don't need it though.

Favorite Cup

When a toddler is away from home, familiarity is the key to keeping them happy.  So try to maintain a sense of normalcy by bringing familiar items (in moderation) along for the trip.

Children's Tylenol (Acetaminophen)

Since fevers do not discriminate whether you are in Bali or Alabama, it is always a good idea to keep a fever reducer with you.

Follow these tips to make your next family vacation healthy, easy going and stress-free.

Image Source: Lars Plougmann via flickr/creative commons

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, POPSUGAR.

The holidays are upon us, and if you're planning to fly with your preschool-aged child, you're probably already thinking about how you'll survive the trip.

Before your child was mobile, it was easy. Non-walkers might cry, but they can't get very far. And while toddlers on planes pose their own challenges, preschoolers can be especially difficult: They're mobile, they're highly verbal, and they know exactly what they want and when. And from a preschooler perspective, patience is rarely considered a virtue.

So, how do you make a flight manageable — and maybe even enjoyable — for everyone? Here are three key strategies.

Bring Both Beloved Toys and Surprises

Your child may not seem to be compelled by novelty, but at 35,000 feet it's helpful to have something new to turn his attention to. (This is as true for adults as it is for kids.) Familiar toys and books will comfort a child who's unhappy, but new items will keep his attention in the chair, rather than wandering down the aisles.

As Lynn N. shares of flying with preschoolers: "It is amazing the amount of entertainment they can get from a few new (and cheap!) toys." And Melanie P. agrees: "Now is the time to splurge on (or borrow) as many unfamiliar toys as possible. They’ll keep your tot amused far longer than the same old playthings he’s used to at home."

Alex W. suggests bringing an iPad loaded with apps, which is also a great space-saver. (Related reading: 10 Educational Apps for Preschoolers) But there's nothing like a book with real pages you can turn. Consider bringing a book you've talked up to your child without actually reading to her — if your child knows there's a surprise book coming, with new character and stories, then when it appears it will be all the more welcome.

Bend Your Rules on Media and Snacks

Flying is a very contained experience, so you'll likely be exercising more control over your child's environment than you might under normal circumstances. Giving your child freedom through choices can help you rein him in without making it feel like you're cramping his style. But to get you through a long flight you'll need a wide array of tempting choices, so the promise of the "forbidden" can be really useful. Yes, I'm saying you should try to cut deals with your child in flight.

Do you try not to watch too much TV, or eat too much sugar, at home? My son is never more quiet and still than when eating a bowl of ice cream, so I consider flying the perfect time to indulge. You can build treats into the flight at specific intervals. And though unlimited videos might be a big no-no at home, in-flight they can make the time pass like nothing else. As Debbie H. shares: "What really worked for me was a video player with my child's favorite DVD...it is worth the investment...make sure you bring battery backup."

Talk About Your Expectations for the Flight

Your child is beginning to develop serious reasoning capacity, which you can use to your advantage in flight, and before. Make her a helper in not disrupting other passengers, who might be working or sleeping, by reminding her how she doesn't like to be interrupted.

And offer rewards after you land for good behavior. If, say, your child stays in his seat except to go to the bathroom or stretch his legs, then offer him first choice of what to do when you arrive at your destination. It might cause you to rearrange your plans a bit to go to the beach first thing in the morning, instead of to your sister's for lunch, but this gesture will give your child a sense that he is participating in the larger family plan rather than just tagging along.

Image Source: Kossy@FINEDAYS via Flickr/Creative Commons

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, POPSUGAR.

The holidays are upon us, and if you're planning to fly with your preschool-aged child, you're probably already thinking about how you'll survive the trip.

Before your child was mobile, it was easy. Non-walkers might cry, but they can't get very far. And while toddlers on planes pose their own challenges, preschoolers can be especially difficult: They're mobile, they're highly verbal, and they know exactly what they want and when. And from a preschooler perspective, patience is rarely considered a virtue.

So, how do you make a flight manageable — and maybe even enjoyable — for everyone? Here are three key strategies.

Bring Both Beloved Toys and Surprises

Your child may not seem to be compelled by novelty, but at 35,000 feet it's helpful to have something new to turn his attention to. (This is as true for adults as it is for kids.) Familiar toys and books will comfort a child who's unhappy, but new items will keep his attention in the chair, rather than wandering down the aisles.

As Lynn N. shares of flying with preschoolers: "It is amazing the amount of entertainment they can get from a few new (and cheap!) toys." And Melanie P. agrees: "Now is the time to splurge on (or borrow) as many unfamiliar toys as possible. They’ll keep your tot amused far longer than the same old playthings he’s used to at home."

Alex W. suggests bringing an iPad loaded with apps, which is also a great space-saver. (Related reading: 10 Educational Apps for Preschoolers) But there's nothing like a book with real pages you can turn. Consider bringing a book you've talked up to your child without actually reading to her — if your child knows there's a surprise book coming, with new character and stories, then when it appears it will be all the more welcome.

Bend Your Rules on Media and Snacks

Flying is a very contained experience, so you'll likely be exercising more control over your child's environment than you might under normal circumstances. Giving your child freedom through choices can help you rein him in without making it feel like you're cramping his style. But to get you through a long flight you'll need a wide array of tempting choices, so the promise of the "forbidden" can be really useful. Yes, I'm saying you should try to cut deals with your child in flight.

Do you try not to watch too much TV, or eat too much sugar, at home? My son is never more quiet and still than when eating a bowl of ice cream, so I consider flying the perfect time to indulge. You can build treats into the flight at specific intervals. And though unlimited videos might be a big no-no at home, in-flight they can make the time pass like nothing else. As Debbie H. shares: "What really worked for me was a video player with my child's favorite DVD...it is worth the investment...make sure you bring battery backup."

Talk About Your Expectations for the Flight

Your child is beginning to develop serious reasoning capacity, which you can use to your advantage in flight, and before. Make her a helper in not disrupting other passengers, who might be working or sleeping, by reminding her how she doesn't like to be interrupted.

And offer rewards after you land for good behavior. If, say, your child stays in his seat except to go to the bathroom or stretch his legs, then offer him first choice of what to do when you arrive at your destination. It might cause you to rearrange your plans a bit to go to the beach first thing in the morning, instead of to your sister's for lunch, but this gesture will give your child a sense that he is participating in the larger family plan rather than just tagging along.

Image Source: Kossy@FINEDAYS via Flickr/Creative Commons

The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, POPSUGAR.

Whether you're running errands or taking a road trip, you often need to feed your kids a snack in the car. Sadly for the family car, many foods are prone to being crumbled, mushed, dripped and spilled when put in the hands and mouths of little munchers. To help keep your kids happy and your car clean, we've rounded up 10 healthy and non-messy snacks for the car suggested by Circle of Moms members.

1. Cereal

Easy to munch on and clean up, non-crumbly cereals are a classic on-the-go kid snack. As Circle of Moms member Dawn shares: Multigrain Cherrios [are] best and little or no mess!"

2. Dried Fruit

Many moms say that dried fruit is a great car snack for kids. As  Darlene B. shares: “My son's new favorite is raisins. They don't make too big a mess and eating right from the box keeps him busy.”  Jessi B. offers similar praise: “I often mix up a small bowl of dried fruit (cranberries, bananas, raisins, etc)...My daughter absolutely loves them in the car!”

3. Granola Bars

“We also sometimes have granola bars in the car because they are easy and not too messy,” shares Courtney J. A Circle of Moms Twitter follower (@Boriqua 2005) agrees, sharing that her favorite non-messy snack for kids to eat in the car is a “Granola bar, hands down! :)” Look for chewy varieties (instead of crunchy ones) to minimize crumbs.

4. Cheese

Cubed or string cheese is another good car snack for kids. As Heather explains: "When we go on car rides, string cheese is nice because it's not messy."

5. Sliced Fresh Fruits and Veggies

"For my little lady fruit and veggies are the best snacks," relays Gwyneth W., one of many moms who bring sliced fruits and vegetables in the car. "They are easy to pack and travel with. I always keep small snack packs of berries (blueberry, raspberry, and strawberry), apple slices or grapes with small water bottles any time I leave the house. My daughter also likes to snack on broccoli or cucumber slices."

6. Mini Sandwiches or Roll-ups

"My mother does deli meat and cheese roll-ups for my little sisters," shares Jill in the Circle of Moms Recipe Swap community. "They love it and [have] started doing it on their own since they have gotten older."

7. Pre-packaged Snacks

Easy to grab when you're running late, small 100-calorie packages of snacks like pretzels, Goldfish, Ritz Bitz and Fig Newtons also earn praise from Circle of Moms members as great car snacks. As Courtney J. relays: "My boys like Fig Newtons, you can buy them in individual packages and they are made with 100% whole grain and 100% real fruit so they are good for them too!"

Related Articles

10 Easy, Healthy Snacks for Kids

8 Nut-Free Lunchbox Snacks

Fast and Delicious: Lunchbox Cheese Crackers

5 Inexpensive Snack Ideas

Image Source: karen2754 via Flickr/Creative Commons

Considering air travel during your pregnancy? Chances are you have a lot of questions! From when to go and what records to bring to how to stay comfortable during the flight, here we share eight key tips for traveling by plane while pregnant.

1. Get Your Doctor’s Clearance

First check with your doctor about whether it’s safe for you to fly. As Aisha D. advises in the Pregnancy Questions/Advice community: “Ask him or her if you are in the high risk group. My doctor says no flying for me because I am high risk.” In general, many moms recommend flying in the second trimester; by then morning sickness has often abated and the risk of miscarriage is lower, but tummies aren't as uncomfortably large as in the third trimester.

2. Research Airline Rules on Flying Pregnant

If you receive a go-ahead from your doctor, research the airline's pregnancy restrictions. Many airlines require a letter from your doctor signed within a certain period (often just a few days) of your departure date. Other airlines prohibit pregnancy travel beyond a certain point. As Jennifer R. relays: “Check the airline you are flying with....some say not later than 28 weeks...others say up to 36 weeks....the airline should have that info on their site."

3. Bring a Copy of Medical Records

Before embarking on air travel while pregnant, moms like Nicole R. wisely recommend obtaining a copy of your recent medical records: “When I flew, my doctor gave me a copy of all of my recent medical records concerning the pregnancy, just in case I were to go into labor unexpectedly while away on my trip, [and] that made me feel better.  You might consider asking for a copy of your records, that way if the unexpected happens you will be better prepared to get the best care possible.”

4. Opt Out of Full-Body Scanners

While the Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) advises that full-body scanners don’t pose significant risks to pregnant passengers, some doctors recommoned that pregnant women should opt out of the full-body scanner until the risks are more fully understood. Moms like Becky F. agree: "I would try to avoid them, especially if I were pregnant or breastfeeding." You can always elect to undergo a physical pat-down search instead of the full-body scan. (You can request a female agent and a private room.)

5. Book an Aisle Seat

“Forgo the sought after ‘window seat,’” Cori W. wisely advises. Instead, request an aisle. “You will be happy when you don’t have to ask the people next to you to move every 10 minutes when you have to get up to pee!” Having an aisle seat is also important because you’ll want to get up and walk around frequently during the flight to aid with circulation. Once at the gate, you may also want to ask the ticketing agent if it’s possible to be seated in a bulk head row, which offers extra leg room.

6. Get Up and Move

It’s important to get up and walk frequently during the flight to avoid swelling or blood clots. As Elizabeth L. advises: “Get up and move around since you do not want your ankles to swell or end up with a blood clot in your legs.”  Ryan B., a mom and flight attendant, agrees: “Try to move about the aircraft a bit during the flight — as long as it’s not turbulent. That will help with the discomfort of sitting with your big belly!”

7. Bring Appropriate Footwear

While in-flight walking often helps with circulation, some foot and ankle swelling is to be expected when flying during pregnancy. As a result, many Circle of Moms members, including like Natasha R., recommend wearing socks and shoes that will more comfortably accommodate swollen feet: “I flew when I was 7.5 months pregnant. I highly recommend travel socks!”

8. Guzzle Water

It’s very important for pregnant women to consume lots of water during air travel. “Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration and constipation and eat regularly,” Shirely S. recommends. And since in-flight food options may not be particularly appetizing, bring food as well. “Pack extra snacks for yourself,” Sarah A. advises. “Trust me, you'll need them.”