A Toddler At The Movies?

When I was childless I had issues with little kids at the movies and in restaurants. Since then, I have learned to overcome the restaurant issue because I realized that kids need to learn to behave in this situation. Let’s face it, most of the issues of kids in restaurants and movies are due to parents who let them act like maniacs. It’s not necessarily the child’s fault that he/he has not learned the  appropriate behavior.

I began to consider bringing my daughter to the movies, I applied the same ” learning and conditioning” approach as I took to restaurants.

I asked myself a two questions. 1. Is she capable of sitting still at least 60 minutes? Yes. She can if she is entertained.

2. Is she able to follow basic directions (such as, “sit down” and “be quiet” you know, movie instructions). Yes.

3. Has she ever watched a movie? No.

Have we rushed out to the movies yet? No, no, no, no but her father and I tested her attention span with a movie night at home. We sat together, ate popcorn, and watched a feature length kids film. To our total surprise, she sat through the entire movie. Much of her interest rested in the giant bowl of popcorn sitting in her lap (which she ate supervised because it can be a choking hazard). She has reached  the developmental milestones to make a trip to the movies possible.

Much like taking her to a restaurant we need to be prepared. Timing needs to be considered because going during nap time is pointless. Also, getting there early would probably turn the experience into torture. I don’t even like the previews.  I should not fool myself, here. She is two. Two year olds can be a little unpredictable. However, if we are successful then we have a new activity to do together as a family filled with new milestones and memories.

I welcome any tips and advice as I begin this journey.

If you liked this, check out my book: http://www.amazon.com/Pregnancy-Skeptical-Woman-ebook/dp/B0055E6ZAU