You asked and you shall now receive. It’s only fair for us to share all of this stored up knowledge about a toddlers and what happens when they start toddling (and talking)! We now will answer, in a very public forum, all of those burning questions about children in their second year. Each Wednesday, we will tackle a commonly-asked-question from the point of view of a parent with a toddler. Chiming in to give her feedback will be an expert who has been there and done that. Earmark, share and add your own input to today’s question; it’s good karma.
My in-laws want to travel with my toddler on a plane without my husband or I. What factors should I think of when making my decision about whether or not to allow it?
I think the biggest thing to consider is whether you trust your in-laws’ problem solving and decision making skills. There will times that they will have to use their own discretionary judgement and although it may not be in complete alignment with what you or your partner would do, do you feel that they are able to make decisions that will be appropriate?
It is also important to consider how your toddler will do away from you. Has he spent time overnight without you, for how long and how familiar is he with his grandparents. Last it is important to put together an emergency plan and medical information to take to a doctor if something arises and decisions need to be made. You can provide your in-laws with a general letter from your pediatrician’s office with the shots he has had, and any other pertinent information.
This can be a great experience for all of you but it is important that you and your in-laws are open to discussing any of your or their concerns. Hidden agendas will complicate things so talk it all out ahead of time.
About our expert-
Marsha Greenberg is a therapist in New York City. She is the author of the newly released book, Raising Your Toddler, by Globe Pequot Press. She has masters degrees in Child and Family Development and Social Work from the University of Michigan. As the Director of the Health Systems Child Care Program for over 14 years, she was responsible for over 250 children between the ages of 6 weeks and 6 years of age. Marsha teaches in the Early Childhood Special Education department at NYU and has a private psychotherapy practice in NYC. Marsha is the mother of three grown sons and has three grandsons (aged 4 and 18 months and 4 months) with a new grandchild on the way.
