News /How to keep the kids calm in the air

PARENTS rejoice - the secrets to keeping children entertained on planes have been revealed.

New research has found that youngsters get bored and ask the dreaded ‘are we nearly there yet’ just 49 minutes after takeoff.

Now Emirates has joined forces with Dr Sandi Mann, a psychologist and boredom specialist at the University of Central Lancashire create the ‘Child Boredom Quotient’ helping parents identify the exact moment their kids will get bored so they can enjoy stressfree travel.

She advises parents to structure the journey by mixing up different types of activities.

The different types to try are passive activities, such as watching films and listening to music, active activities, such as walking up and down the aisle or playing with a pack of cards, creative actives, like drawing, sensory activities, such as eating and interactive activities, such as reading a book or chatting.

Films are the most popular option with kids, keeping them occupied from around 42 minutes for under twos, to 1 hour 41 minutes for 11 and 12 year olds.

This is followed by electronic games, which Dr Mann found kept all age groups entertained for about 62 minutes.

Meanwhile, creative pursuits such as drawing was the most popular type of activity until age 9 when quizzes and puzzles became more engaging.

Colouring and sticker books had most appeal to the younger ages.

Dr Mann added: “Very young children don’t need very sophisticated toys for a plane journey and will be most amused by things in the environment – including people and of course their parents.

“This could be ‘I Spy’ whilst, regular walks up the aisle are good for toddlers for exercise and for pre-toddlers to change the visual environment.

“Don’t forget singing and interactive games like peekaboo are also great.

“Older children can be given simple materials like notebooks and pens, puzzle books and comics. Ensure that they take breaks every so often.”