Peaceful Parenting at the Airport

(Elizabeth's Tips to Be Your Best Ever You - Airports with Small Children)

Yesterday, my son and husband witnessed something at the airport that left them, and later me, pretty stunned. A couple was visibly struggling with their kids. The toddler had a messy diaper, which the mom chose to change directly on the seating area next to my 28-year-old son. Their 4-year-old daughter was in full meltdown mode, and in response, the dad shouted at both her and the mom to "Calm the f*** down."

Look, I’ve been there. I’m a mom of four sons, now all in their twenties. There are definitely moments in parenthood where you want to shout, cry, or walk off with a new identity. But there are some things you just don’t do—especially in a public space with dozens of onlookers and, more importantly, your children absorbing everything like sponges.

Here are five peaceful (and powerful) reminders for parenting at the airport, especially during those high-stress travel moments:

1. Your Energy is the Atmosphere

Airports are overstimulating for everyone, especially kids. If you're anxious, snappy, or reactive, your children will mirror that energy. Instead of demanding calm from them, be the calm. It’s not about perfection. It’s about tone. Your presence sets the tone.

Elizabeth’s Tip: Take a few deep breaths before reacting. Whisper instead of yelling. Kids will often lower their volume to match yours.

2. Designate a Diaper Zone (and Respect Shared Space)

Yes, diaper blowouts happen and usually at the worst possible time. But where you change your child matters. Airport bathrooms have changing tables for a reason. Using public seating for diaper changes not only disrespects others, but also sends a message to your child that boundaries don’t matter.

Elizabeth’s Tip: Scope out family restrooms before you need one. Keep a stocked changing kit in your carry-on with a mini changing pad. If all else fails, ask a gate agent for a discreet space. They’ll usually help.

3. Narrate, Don’t Escalate

When your child is upset, shouting only adds fuel to the fire. Instead, narrate what’s happening to help them feel seen and soothed. “I see you’re upset because we had to put the toy away. That’s hard. Let’s breathe together.” This builds trust even if the tantrum doesn’t magically stop.

Elizabeth’s Tip: Remember, your child is having a hard time, not giving you a hard time.

4. Create Micro-Moments of Fun and Choice

Kids need something to look forward to. Involve them in little decisions: “Would you like to carry the crayons or the snack?” “Should we count airplanes or people with hats?” This gives them agency and distraction, which is a powerful combo in stressful settings.

Elizabeth’s Tip: Bring a surprise toy, sticker book, or calming activity. Pull it out like a magic trick when needed. You're not bribing. You're wisely redirecting.

5. Remember: Everyone is Watching… Especially Your Kids

Yes, strangers might be watching. But the most important eyes on you are the little ones who will carry your reactions into their own lives. What they see modeled during chaos becomes their blueprint for handling it later.

Elizabeth’s Tip: Choose peace not because it’s easy, but because your child is learning what love, respect, and leadership look like.

Final Thoughts

Parenting in public, especially in airports, can feel like parenting on display. But you don’t need an audience to do it with grace. You just need your intention: to be the parent your child can count on, even in chaos.

There’s a big difference between reacting and responding. One comes from panic. The other comes from peace.

And sometimes, your only purpose in a moment isn’t to get it all right. It’s just to show your child what love looks like in real time, even if you’re running on little sleep and lukewarm airport coffee.

About the Author

Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino is a Master Life Coach, bestselling author, and founder of The Best Ever You Network. With over 25 years of marriage and four grown sons, Elizabeth draws from real-life parenting and relationship experience to help others live with greater peace, compassion, and purpose. As the author of The Change Guidebook, The Success Guidebook, and Percolate, Elizabeth inspires individuals and families to be their best ever selves—at home, at work, and everywhere in between.