How to survive a flight with kids and keep your sanity

To survive a flight with kids without losing your sanity, you need to know what to bring with you and how to entertain your children on the plane. In addition to bringing the right items along, it's important to give them to your kids at just the right times.

Security lines can be long, and waiting with an active toddler or a bored 6-year-old isn't a lot of fun. While you're waiting, you can play games that don't require special supplies, such as "I Spy."

When you travel by plane, you need to bring a variety of things to occupy your children. Not only do you have to keep them happy during the flight, but you'll also need things to do at the airport. Packing something special to entertain them on the flight is a necessity, but you should avoid giving it to them at the beginning of your trip, while they could still be entertained by watching the crowds at the airport or the clouds outside of the plane.

Here is a list of suggestions for things to bring along:

• Books to read
• Activity and colouring books
• Electronic gadgets (if age appropriate)
• Finger puppets or small toys to play make-believe
• Disposable camera
• A new toy

Bringing toys is only fun for your child if there is someone to play with. If you don't particularly enjoy playing make-believe games with finger puppets or stuffed animals, then you could draw a picture with your kids instead.

Older children might like to play games like hangman. You can also give a school-age child a disposable camera to record your adventure together. You will probably get a lot of pictures of feet, maybe a few selfies, and maybe one or two really good snapshots, but it's a fun experience for your child that doesn't cost much.

It's also okay for your child to talk to fellow passengers as long as they don't mind. While some people don't particularly like kids, a lot of them enjoy pinching a little baby's cheek or admiring a toddler's drawing. However, it's your job to pay attention to nonverbal cues to avoid getting on someone's nerves, so everyone survives your flight with kids.