We’ve all been on a plane with a screaming baby or a toddler that just can’t seem to calm down, and as we head out for the holidays, there’s a good chance that planes will be packed with even more children who don’t seem too happy to be flying. So, what can be done?

First, give the crying baby a break. According to staff at MayoClinic.com, “Sometimes babies simply need to cry.” If you’re flying with a screaming baby or a toddler who can’t stop kicking your seat, try to stay calm and sympathetic when asking the parents if they could please stop the child from abusing the back of your seat.

If you’re a parent of an infant or a toddler, there are some things that you can do to make the flight a little easier for your child…and for the other passengers on the plane. Simple things like preparing kids to fly by explaining what the trip will be like, and flying early in the morning if possible.

My latest ABCNews.com Column, Kids Who Scream on Planes and What You Can Do provides a series of tips for both parents and other passengers who find themselves in this all too common situation. Hopefully, the tips will make your holiday travel (or any day travel) a little less stressful.