New TSA Rules for Holiday Travel Check Your Children's pockets to get through Airport Security Faster

Traveling during the holidays can be a difficult under normal conditions, but this year it is an even tougher decision for parents.  The new TSA security measure of full-body scanners involving x-rays or enhanced pat-downs are taking away from the joy of the season.  Either way, it is not an easy choice for parents.  Many pediatricians don’t approve of the x-ray exposure to young children.  Our best advice (http://www.luckylittletravelers.com/ ) is to check with your children’s pediatrician, before you book your tickets, for their recommendation on how you should handle the new TSA methods.  The good that comes from the TSA’s new rules is the assurance that everyone on board your plane is there with the same intention as you, to reach their destination without harm.
As you are emptying your pockets make sure to empty your children’s pockets as well.  Check your children’s pockets for items that may generate problems.  I have seen many parents empty their own pockets and completely forget about checking their children.
Take a look at our new website for other advice on traveling with children:  http://www.luckylittletravelers.com/   We have printable packing list for flight entertainment for children.  We also have packing list for children for both warm and cold weather vacations that can assist you with keeping your packing organized for a stress free vacation.

Parenting for Holiday Travel With Children and the New Rules of TSA

Traveling during the hectic holiday season is always nerve-racking, and the new TSA rules are tending to be cause for greater tension.  There is concern for the x-rays that the new scanning system emits are a health issue.  Our best recommendation is to check with your child’s pediatrician for their opinion.  A quick call to the pediatrician’s office can alleviate anxiety for parents, and help guide them in the best choice for their child. 

If the recommendation from the pediatrician is to Opt-out of the body scan in favor of a pat-down, we suggest that the parent lead by example.  Ask if you can be patted-down first, so that your child can watch.  Say hello to the TSA agent and address them by name.  Ask your child to watch what happens.  Then when it is your child’s turn, make sure that you introduce your child by name.  Be polite to the TSA agent, it may help to calm your child to see that you are not alarmed by what is happening.  Your child should never be out of your sight during any screen procedures.   TSA agents are currently doing a modified pat-down on children.

Describe to your child before you get to the airport what is going to happen, so that it doesn’t take them by surprise.  Explain to your child that you must be present in order for anyone to touch them, including doctors.  Make it clear that you will never allow anyone to hurt them, and no one will even try as long as you are present.