Air travel is a form of travel in vehicles such as helicopters, hot air balloons, blimps, gliders, hang gliding, parachuting, airplanes, jets, or anything else that can sustain flight. For airplanes, it's all about defying gravity. This blog talks about gravity and it's affect on the vestibular system and gives activities to help a gravitationally insecure child. Gravity is the invisible force that keeps us (and everything else) from flying off the Earth. So when it comes to designing an airplane, it's all about defying this heavy force.  

Our bodies also can have a momentary state of weightlessness during movement that defies gravity. Any movement that brings our feet off the ground, our bodies are exploring space. Our relationship to gravity is our most important sense of security and is linked to our vestibular system. If your child has a fear of swinging, avoids escalators and elevators, and becomes fearful with any change in head position, such as when being tilted backward or upside-down during roughhousing, then he or she may be gravitationally insecure. 

At Home: 

 If your child has gravitational insecurity, take it slow. Try a swing that allows your child's feet to touch the ground, or hold him or her in your lap on a swing so they feel more secure during motion. Try distracting them with play and imagination during challenging activities. Sometimes adding weight, like a weighted backpack, helps a child feel more secure. Allow increased time for new 'scary' activities, and help your child gradually engage activities he/she sees as threatening. 

Exploring gravity with your child through crafts: 

Today, airplanes are an integrated part of our lives. We see them in the sky, we use them to travel, and play! Airplane crafts are super fun for kids to make, but they have the added bonus of playing with them afterward too!  

Experiments that explore gravity for young ones: 

• Defy Gravity – This super cool activity is easy to make with paperclips and magnets. (Buggy and Buddy) 
• Galaxy in a Bottle – The glitter doesn't fall down, but instead rises as it settles. Crazy! (One Little Project) 
• Gravity Splatter Art – What happens when you drop something with paint on it? 
• Exploring Gravity with a Tube – Why does the position of the tube change the speed of the car? (HOAWG) 
• Exploring Gravity with Balance – Learn how to make a craft stick stand upright on a chopstick. (Rookie Parenting) 
• Gravity with a Pendulum – Learn about the forces of motion and gravity by placing paint in swinging pendulum. (Handmade Kids Art) 
• Pool Noodle Gravity Play – Explore gravity and slope by making your own pool noodle marble run. (Little Bins) 

The vestibular system is thought to be the primary organizer of sensory information. With a system that acts as it should, the constant pull of gravity generates a constant sensory flow in which all other sensory inputs are superimposed upon. This system is in charge of reacting to every change in head position and is interdependent on other sensory systems to give us an idea of where our body is in relation to space. Support your little one as they continue to explore the world around them and how their body feels against gravity.