An exclusive insight into Flying Tots Childcare’s international escort service
High above the clouds, aboard an Airbus A380 operated by Emirates, two young children began a 20-hour journey that would take them from Bangkok to Glasgow, via Dubai.
For most passengers, long-haul travel is a test of endurance. For these children, it marked something far more significant: a transition between homes, time zones, and parents. It was a journey defined not simply by distance, but by emotion.
Accompanying them every step of the way was Sharon T L Bastien, CEO and lead representative of Flying Tots Childcare, in her role as a Fly Nanny Chaperone — a specialist service designed to safely escort children across international borders when parents are unable to travel due to professional or personal commitments.
Preparation Before Departure
The journey began long before boarding.
In the days leading up to departure, careful preparation ensured the children’s physical comfort and emotional wellbeing were prioritised. Meetings with both parents allowed for a detailed understanding of routines, preferences, dietary requirements, and — crucially — the emotional dynamics of the transition ahead.
Trust was built early. The children were given space to ask questions, share concerns, and become familiar with the person who would be by their side throughout the journey. This groundwork transformed what could have been an overwhelming experience into one framed by reassurance and familiarity.
Creating Calm at 40,000 Feet
Once airborne, the aircraft cabin became more than a mode of transport; it became a temporary safe haven.
Through gentle reassurance, structured activities, shared smiles, and quiet conversations, the long hours passed with a sense of calm. Sleep schedules were carefully managed, hydration monitored, and comfort maintained. Every small detail — from in-flight meals to rest periods during the Dubai stopover — was handled with professional attentiveness.
For children navigating separation and reunion, emotional regulation is just as important as logistics. The ‘Fly Nanny Chaperone’ service is built on this understanding: that safeguarding a child’s wellbeing extends beyond physical safety to include emotional security and continuity of care.
A Smooth Handover
After nearly 20 hours of travel, the final and most meaningful moment arrived — a smooth and seamless handover in Glasgow.
Tired but content, the children were reunited safely with their waiting parent. What could have been an anxious experience had instead unfolded as a carefully supported transition.
It is in these quiet airport reunions — often unseen by the wider world — that the heart of Flying Tots’ work becomes most visible.
Trusted Care Across Continents
Flying Tots Childcare’s ‘Fly Nanny Chaperone’ service is designed for families whose lives span cities, countries, and continents. Whether due to demanding careers, relocation, or family arrangements, parents can entrust their children’s journey to experienced professionals who combine safeguarding expertise with genuine compassion.
As Sharon reflects:
“Supporting families during moments of transition is a responsibility I hold with great pride. Our role is not simply to escort children from one destination to another — it is to ensure they feel secure, understood, and cared for throughout the entire journey.”
From careful pre-flight preparation to safe arrival at the final destination, Flying Tots continues to connect families — delivering trusted, professional childcare services across the skies.