New flying hack for (ASD) moms
New flying hack activated…
I’m flying out to see my mom tomorrow and since I will not just be getting myself ready but my ASD daughter as well, I decided to get my hair braided so that I just have to put a tiny bit of concealer on and get dressed which will take 3 minutes to do and then get her ready and make sure my husband is up and ready too.
Getting myself up before them is hard to do especially when my daughter tends to not sleep well when she’s excited for the event the next day. (This is consistent and the best example is the night before the first day of school… EVERY year like clock work she wakes up at 5a .) Having my hair already done is the biggest time saver! Though this is me posting the night before. We have to get up at 2a and be in the car by 3a to get to the airport (an hour away) by 4a to check in our bag and then the flight leaves at 610a…
So yes, I went to my hair salon and got my hair braided so that in the morning I put on my comfy clothes, put on my “wake up” look and be done within 5 minutes before taking the next 20-25 minutes getting my daughter ready to leave.
Wish me luck cause this is her first time flying since she was a little one (3 and nonverbal vs now where she is 10 and VERY verbal).
Traveling with a child who has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can present unique challenges, especially when early wake-ups and busy mornings are involved. One way to simplify the hectic pre-flight routine is by preparing yourself in advance with time-saving hacks like getting your hair braided the night before. This strategy minimizes the time needed for personal grooming, allowing you to focus more on helping your child get ready. For many parents, children with ASD may feel extra excitement or anxiety the night before a trip, often resulting in poor sleep or early waking hours. This pattern, such as waking up at 5 a.m. before an important event, is common and predictable. Preparing the night before by braiding hair not only reduces stress but also saves crucial minutes in the morning. A simple makeup touch-up combined with already styled hair means you can stay comfortable and look fresh in just a few minutes. Moreover, creating a smooth departure routine benefits the entire family, including partners or spouses needing to join the early trip preparations. Having your hair styled beforehand ensures you can help your child with their needs without rushing your own self-care. It also minimizes early-morning decisions and allows more focus on calming and organizing your ASD child, who might react differently during travel. With this flying hack, you can get up early, dress comfortably, and spend more quality time assisting your child through their excitement or nervousness about flying. Whether it's their first flight after years or a new travel experience, being mentally and physically ready boosts confidence and reduces stress for everyone involved. Consider pairing this hair prep tip with other ASD travel strategies such as packing familiar comfort items, explaining the travel steps ahead of time, and building a quiet, safe environment for your child at the airport and on the plane. This comprehensive approach can make faraway visits, like trips to see family in places like Arizona, more enjoyable and manageable. Overall, this flying hack highlights how small personal care adjustments can positively impact the demanding task of getting an ASD child and family ready for travel, ensuring a smoother journey and better start to your trip.
