Originally Posted by
AsiaTraveler
In that configuration, I would personally try for a block of 4 on one of the "two" sides- have two seats in front of the other two seats. As a parent, I have found it easier to work ahead or behind that way rather than going across an aisle and possibly across another kid. Also, I would put the two kids sitting together behind me as you're only dealing with one kid possibly kicking a strangers' seat.
I agree wholeheartedly. This is what we do every time even when the config is 2-4-2. It's much easier to pass kids' things back and forth and talk to the spouse through the crack in the seat than you yell across two kids from one aisle all the way over to the other. Also, it gives you a chance to put your more seat-kicking-prone progeny behind his/her siblings instead of a stranger.