I see Americans filling themselves often with drugs but apparently also their kids...
That being said, I believe the only major tips needed are for toddlers and younger.
Older that that, just a minimal of common sense would suffice.
As mentioned before, they should have something to occupy themselves and foods they enjoy.
So for toddlers and younger: try to have them rather tired when boarding, and feed them a warm bottle not when taxiing, but actually when the plane is picking up speed for take off. The flight attendants are nicely strapped up by now, and so you maneuver easily.
The fact that they drink warm (thick formula preferably), not only won't they be scared of the noises, it will also avoid earache, and help them fall asleep.
As the plane is starting its decent, if they get irritated, give them again a bottle to get rid of their earache.