There were some great ideas here. Many of them I have used before. The last time we went home was last Feb. So they were 2.5 and amost 5yo. I know that a being a year older will make a difference. The idea that I will never meet these people again is one I use, but my DH has great difficulty with that one. The TV/VCR combo would be lovely, but with signal systems being what they are, it would only work in one country with the videos made from there. It would probably be prohibitivly expensive in Australia (as most cool gadgets are here). Phenobarbital?! Isn't that a strong narcotic? I just want something to help them get to sleep, not make them stay drugged. A half dose of phenergan worked on my son last year, but not my daughter. My parenting habits will prevent me from making this a habit like many of you suggested I might. Sheesh, even a warm milk, or a chamomile tea suggestion would have been a welcome suggestion. >Think of the message you are giving your kids - need to relax, do drugs; >need to sleep, do drugs; need to keep occupied for ONE DAY, do drugs; mommy <and daddy need you out of their hair for ONE DAY, do drugs. this one made me mad, then laugh (with the help of a friend), as obviously you have no idea what kind of parent I am. I don't care about me, even if they sleep, I don't sleep afraid that they will wake and need me. If I really wanted them out of my hair as you suggest, then *I* would take the drugs and let the attendants deal with it. So, I will gently say, back off, you are taking this far too seriously. It is just ONE DAY after all. FOURTEEN HOURS is a long time, and in no way can be compared to a car trip. There is no where to go. You can't stop at McDonald's for a pee and a play. If I was the one miserable, I could suck it up, after all, I am the adult. I am concerned for the kids, and want them to be comfortable. lizo