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Taking
your
children to the movie theater is a great family outing that everyone
will enjoy. As a parent however, it is important to select the right
movie, at the
right time, and to set some rules prior to the excursion. Below you
will find some tips to help make going to the movies with your children
a terrific experience.
-
Try and
get an aisle seat so that you will not disturb others if you need to
leave for any reason.
-
Don't arrive
early unless you think that getting a seat will be a problem.
Remember toddlers do not need to see previews. If you have
someone else with you send them in to reserve seats and keep the
toddler out until the last minute. Try and save their short
attention spans for the movie.
-
Bring something "quiet" to amuse your child during the waiting
period before the movie begins or if they just get too restless.
- Always check
on the movie's running time before you buy tickets.
Choose according to your child's attention span. If the movie
is long then pick another one.
- Pick a
show time that
will work well
for the youngest child. Avoid
nap time or evening productions that will go past bed time.
- Matinee movies are
usually a great option for families with children. Matinee
times are normally from the time the theater opens until their peak
evening hours. Ticket prices are substantially less for a
matinee and the theater is less crowded. So you will have more
enjoyable experience and spend less money.
- Never take
small children to a
movie on opening day or opening weekend.
The theater will be extremely crowded, seats can be difficult to get
together and you will stressed out if your child has a melt down.
So wait a few weeks until everyone else has already gone to see the
movie.
-
Make sure you
check to confirm
that the movie is family-friendly before you go.
Remember that the name of a movie is not always an indication of the content. Keep in mind that
age
appropriate material is the key to a successful event. Ensure
that it will not scare younger children but will be entertaining for
older children.
-
Instruct
the child as to how they will be expected to behave in the movies.
Let them know that they should not talk and if they do they must use
their "Indoor Voice", that means a low whisper, at all times.
Let them know that they must sit still and can never kick the sit in
front of them.
- Make sure
your young child is well rested and has eaten prior to going to the
movies. Bring a small snack for your child from home, but make sure
it is a "quiet" snack for them to eat immediately.
When
your
child
has taken fidgeting to a
whole new level you can
make a field trip out of getting
a treat from the concession stand.
Kids snack packs, including popcorn, drink and snack, are available
but tend to be more pricey. The most economical snack is
usually a box of popcorn.
- Make sure you take
them to the restroom before the movie starts.
- Try and sit by
another family or in an empty row. Always avoid
elderly people who may have
less patience for
noisy, restless
children
in the theater.
- If a
child needs to be consoled for any reason, leave the theater. Leaving
before it becomes a disaster is usually a good thing.
Do not allow an upset child to remain in the theater to disturb
others. Constantly be aware of your child's behavior. Do
not get absorbed in the movie and forget your responsibilities.
-
Most movie
theaters offer booster seats for very young children
so that they will be able to see better.
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