Let’s talk about two things that strike fear into the hearts of parents everywhere:

1) Traveling with a tiny human who has the attention span of a goldfish and the volume control of a foghorn.
2) Explaining to your other tiny human why they didn’t get to come along.

This week, I checked both boxes—because apparently, I like living life on “extreme mode.”

The Pre-Flight Anxiety Spiral

Here’s the thing about traveling with a toddler: You know it’s going to be an adventure, but you don’t know what kind. Will they scream the entire flight? Will they charm every passenger within a 10-row radius? Will they suddenly develop a passionate hatred for their favorite snack mid-air? It’s a mystery until you’re trapped in a metal tube at 30,000 feet.

So when I packed up Colette for her first-ever plane ride, my brain was running through all the worst-case scenarios. (What if she has a meltdown? What if I have a meltdown? What if we both have meltdowns and they have to divert the plane?)

But you know what? She was… shockingly fine. More than fine, actually—she was delighted. The seatbelt buckle? Fascinating. The tiny pretzels? A culinary masterpiece. The stranger in 12B who made funny faces at her? Instant best friend. Meanwhile, I was over here white-knuckling my armrest like I was the one who’d never flown before.

The Harder Part: Breaking the News to Chloe

Here’s where the real guilt trip kicked in. Because while Colette was living her best jet-setting life, Chloe was at home, very aware that she wasn’t invited.

Explaining “big kid logistics” to a little kid is rough. Try telling a 5-year-old, “Sorry, this trip is just for the baby because of [insert adult reasons here],” and watch their face crumple like you just canceled Christmas.

I braced for tears. For dramatic declarations of betrayal. Instead, I got a very solemn, “But… I like airplanes too, Mommy.” (Cue my heart shattering into a million pieces.)

We talked it through—how sometimes babies need different things, how there will be trips for her too—but let’s be real: Logic doesn’t always land with preschoolers. So we compromised with a “special big sister day” at home, complete with her favorite snacks and zero baby interruptions. (Toddler negotiations: 1, Mom guilt: 0.)

The Takeaway?

1) Kids surprise you. The thing you stressed about for weeks (the flight) might go perfectly. The thing you thought would be fine (the sibling FOMO) might hit harder than expected. Parenting is just one long game of emotional whack-a-mole.

2) Guilt is inevitable, but it’s not forever. Chloe might not fully “get it” this time, but she will get her turn. And one day, she’ll probably be thrilled she didn’t have to deal with a diaper change at cruising altitude.

3) Always pack extra snacks. For the kids, yes, but mostly for you. You’ve earned them.

So yeah—we survived! And if you’re gearing up for your own “first trip” chaos, just remember: However it goes, it’ll make a great story later. (And if all else fails, there’s always in-flight Wi-Fi and Peppa Pig.)

P.S. Colette is now a frequent flyer in her own mind. Send help. ✈️