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Does a movie poster throws you into a trance of the phase when you could go for a movie without a care in the world? The pre baby days of your life when you could any time plan a movie date with your spouse, those days were awesome right? But things have changed with the onset of a long journey of parenting. Having a little kid by your side to tend to in the middle of the movie sounds not so tempting to you! Well gone are the days of unaltered freedom, welcome to parenthood!
But that does not mean that movies will be banned for you. Once your kid is old enough you can take him along with you to the movies, after all this day has to come! The thought might make you shudder but chill, there is always a first time and why fret it when we are here to help you with the first timer’s guide!
Knowing If They Are Ready
There is no fixed age of when you can take your kid to his first movie. Some parents might take their kid as young as 3 year old for his first time in the theater while others wait for a couple of years more. It depends on your child’s comfort level with loud sounds, pitch dark hall and sharing space with others around him (strangers). You have to be careful about his comfort with these things and later decide the right time for his first movie!
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Choosing The Right Movie
You want your kid to enjoy his first time at the theater so it is must that you select a movie that matches his taste the best. In general animated movies are the ideal bet when you want to avoid all or any adult content be it love, drama, crime, tragedy, etc. But make sure to select a movie that is slow paced, easy for him to understand and are shorter than the usual ones. In case you don’t find them running at the mall theaters, find out art houses, schools and other special screening centers where special kids movies are run!
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Skipping The Trailers
Though you planned on watching an easy to the eye cartoon film, it will be preceded by trailers that are not so welcoming for the kids! They are generally very loud and might scare your kid. Also the advertisements might not be age appropriate for the kids. So try to enter the hall with your kid when the trailers are over. It will prevent your kid from having a bad first impression of movies at the hall!
Planning It Right
The best time of the day to take your kid for his trial to the movies would be in the morning. The first show of the day starts does not attract much of crowd. This is the time when the theater will have more of kids so it will be easy for him to adapt to the theater atmosphere with similar beings around him. Also a kid is at his most energetic and fresh self in the morning, leading to lesser tantrums. If your kid is old enough to understand etiquette, do tell him to abide by unsaid rules like no talking loudly, using phone, getting up, etc. Be clear about your policy on buying snacks there to avoid tantrums!
Going With The Flow
Don’t feel guilty when your kid starts throwing tantrums and you have to leave early. You are not the first parent in the world that had to leave a movie in the middle, it happens with everyone. And no, you have not wasted your ticket money, there had to be a first time for your kid and its for his learning! A little walk in the lobby when he begins to get irritated might help him calm down and prevent early leaving. Whatever happens, just remember to go with the flow and make the most of the time you have with your kid at the theater!
These tips might help you plan your child’s first movie at the theater with ease. Though you might have to still deal with your little one’s moodiness and discomfort, you will still be able to enjoy some or all of the movie with your kid! So what are you waiting for? Plan a movie date with your kid right away and help him take this little step in the big world!
