During an appearance on Jimmy
Kimmel, actor Kaley Cuoco shared a humorous story about her 9-month-old
daughter Matilda's first airplane flight over Thanksgiving. Cuoco and her
partner, Tom Pelphrey, were anxious about how their daughter would handle the plane
ride, so they brought a sound machine, the only thing she would sleep to.
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| Jimmy Kimmel - Kaley Cuoco |
However, Kimmel pointed out that an
airplane essentially functions as a giant sound machine. Cuoco admitted that
the machine's noise was barely audible over the plane's background noise. When
Matilda started crying, they turned on the machine, holding it up to her ear to
soothe her to sleep.
To their relief, the plan seemed to work. However, another passenger was able to hear the sound machine as well. Cuoco humorously described the situation, expressing their initial relief as the baby fell asleep, and then dramatically sighed, closed her eyes, and let her body go limp.
The relief for Kaley Cuoco and her
partner, Tom Pelphrey, was short-lived during their 9-month-old daughter
Matilda's first airplane flight. While trying to soothe Matilda with a sound
machine, a flight attendant approached them and requested they turn it off as
another passenger was bothered by it.
Cuoco humorously recounted Tom's
response, suggesting they ask the passenger if she wants to hold their
screaming child. The requester's identity was revealed upon landing – the woman
right in front of them. She commented, "Oh, so your daughter does know how to smile."
Cuoco expressed the frustration and rage she felt in that moment, realizing why such situations might lead women to end up on Dateline. The episode captures the challenges new parents face when trying to find solutions that work for their family, only to face public judgment.
Be Proactive and Come Prepared
Jenna Hermans, author of "Chaos To Calm: 5 Ways Busy Parents Can Break
Free From Overwhelm," suggests a proactive approach for parents
traveling with babies. She empathizes with the concerns of parents like Kaley
Cuoco and believes that while babies are people too, parents should take
responsibility to keep the flight peaceful.
As a mother of four, Hermans did research before flying with her own baby, understanding that infants are likely to experience discomfort in their ears during takeoff and landing. She found that feeding or having them suck on a pacifier can offer relief. Hermans also brought a bunch of earplugs, informing fellow passengers about their situation and offering earplugs just in case.
While bringing earplugs might be
considered going above and beyond, etiquette experts suggest that parents
prepare for the flight in some way. Cuoco and her partner did just that,
bringing a sound machine to help their baby fall asleep.
Jackie Vernon-Thompson, owner of
From the Inside Out School of Etiquette, emphasizes that it's the parent's
responsibility to travel with items that comfort the child, such as bottles,
pacifiers, or loveys for babies. For older children, an iPad can be a reliable
tool to keep them quiet, but parents should ensure they have headphones to
avoid subjecting fellow passengers to sound.
Cuoco's use of a sound machine is seen as falling into a gray area. While it's understandable as a reliable way to soothe their baby, it may be considered a stretch if the sound is loud enough for other passengers to hear, according to Diane Gottsman, owner of the Protocol School of Texas and an etiquette expert.
Hope for the Empathy of Others on
the Flight
Jenna Hermans, who provided fellow
passengers with earplugs during her baby's first flight, emphasizes the
importance of empathy and respect within the flying community. She suggests
that travelers, even those without children, should understand the challenges
of flying with small children and treat each other with respect.
Hermans acknowledges that crying babies can be disruptive, and as a parent, she believes in internal responsibility. This could involve efforts to soothe the baby, providing earplugs, or even offering a simple apology to nearby passengers. Jackie Vernon-Thompson notes that apologizing shows acknowledgment and consideration for others' experiences, indicating the parent is making an effort to calm their child.
In the shared space of an airplane,
Vernon-Thompson emphasizes the interconnectedness of passengers, and she
suggests that sometimes, it may take a village to handle challenges during the
flight.
Jenna Hermans emphasizes the
importance of presuming positive intent in situations involving upset children
on planes. She points out that parents like Kaley Cuoco and Tom Pelphrey bring
items like white noise machines for the benefit of fellow passengers, not to
cause disruption. Hermans encourages passengers to adopt a supportive mindset,
suggesting playful interactions, like peekaboo, and understanding that everyone
is doing their best.
In moments of confrontation, Hermans recommends asking the other passenger about their preferences and offering solutions, such as buying them a drink or providing earplugs. She highlights the importance of self-care for parents, encouraging them to consider their own needs and take steps to regulate their nervous system before the flight.
Use the Flight Attendant as an Intermediary
Diane Gottsman and Jackie
Vernon-Thompson both agree that the passenger did the right thing by contacting
the flight attendant instead of confronting Kaley Cuoco and Tom Pelphrey
directly. Seeking assistance from the flight attendant is considered a more
appropriate way to address such situations rather than potentially escalating
the conflict with another passenger.
Gottsman also notes that making
unkind comments about the innocent baby's facial expression was not
appropriate, highlighting the need for respectful and considerate behavior in
these situations.
Kaley Cuoco and Tom Pelphrey's experience highlights the potential challenges of flying, especially for parents of young children. While flying can be unpleasant for anyone, it can be particularly stressful for parents who may feel judgment or unfriendly looks from fellow passengers.
In such situations, the best
outcome may come from a sense of solidarity and empathy among travelers. Understanding
the shared experience of being confined in a plane for an extended period,
passengers may benefit from offering support and showing understanding.
Ultimately, recognizing that the low hum of a white noise machine is more
pleasant than a baby's crying may contribute to a more harmonious and
empathetic flying experience.
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