Around the holidays, my family (my parents and siblings, that is) often tries to go on a “Christmas date.” That usually involves a movie and a stop at our favorite hole-in-the-wall Mexican restaurant. My mom decided that we should keep this family tradition alive the Christmas after Annalyn was born, and she assured me that my newborn would be “fine, just fine!” in the movie theater.
So less than three months after she was born, I bundled up my tiny baby and hauled her into a dark theater.
Rather than sit near the front on the end of a row, as I’d hoped, my dad had picked seats near the top of the large theater. In the middle. Annalyn and I gave it the old college try, but this arrangement just did not work. (Just like I expected. AHEM.) Just minutes into the movie, Annalyn needed to be fed (Who picked the matinee that fell during her afternoon feeding?) and then, as babies do, she immediately proceeded to fill her diaper.
I rushed to the bathroom and fumbled with the diaper changing table. I don’t remember for sure, but I’m fairly certain this was the first time I attempted to change her diaper in a public restroom. Flustered and frustrated only begin to describe my state of mind at that point. While my family enjoyed the mystery of National Treasure: Book of Secrets, I stewed on the bench outside the theater, trying to quiet my fussy baby long enough to hear a snippet of dialogue or two.
Fast forward three years, and this time I was the one suggesting a family outing to the movie theater – with my daughter in tow. Thankfully, bottle feedings and diapers weren’t an issue, but I was still nervous!
We decided to take Annalyn to see Tangled on Christmas evening, although I just about canceled on the drive to the theater. Little Miss Tired & Overstimulated was cranky and nervous about our outing, I shouted [empty] threats the whole way there. Amazingly, she calmed down as soon as we walked into the multiplex and behaved like an angel throughout the entire movie-going experience.
Here are a few things I learned:
1. Choose your movie wisely. Until the moment the animated movie began, Mark was convinced we were seeing Yogi Bear. We debated between the goofy bear movie and Disney’s latest film, but in the end I chose Tangled (and apparently forgot to tell Mark!). Partly because I suspected Yogi bear might be full of questionable humor (at least for my three-year-old) and partly because I know how bored Annalyn gets with live action shows.
Besides, my favorite actor from my favorite show was the voice behind one of the main characters!
2. Make sure the movie’s not too scary! Knowing how Annalyn has reacted to other Disney movies (they are long! and scary!!), I interrogated questioned all my friends who’d seen Tangled. They reported that the “bad guy” wasn’t that scary but warned me of a few frightening parts.
3. Take snacks. As we left my parents’ house for the theater, I poured trail mix into a ziploc, added some dried berries and grabbed a tiny bottle of water and sippy cup. Then I wondered if she’d notice if I got M&Ms for myself…
4. Visit the restroom before the movie starts. Remember that tiny bottle of water? Well, I was pretty sure someone’s tiny bladder couldn’t hold more than that! (Plus, I know well my daughter’s desire to visit every public restroom in the metro.)
5. Choose an unpopular show time. Our decision to go to the movie on Christmas night was sort of last minute, but it worked out well. We had our pick of seats and the small crowd meant I could relax. If the worst happened, at least we wouldn’t be bothering too many people!
6. Be prepared for inappropriate previews. I don’t remember exactly what movie’s trailer we saw that annoyed me, but one of the (many) previews showed characters using language that we don’t condone in our home. And another one was a little…intense…for a toddler. If I’d been on my toes, I would’ve been ready to distract Annalyn with her snacks or that trip to the restroom during the previews.
7. Remember her favorite blanket/toy/baby doll. Believe me. It’s just easier that way. (And warmer, if her lovey du jour happens to be a blanket!)
8. Expect questions. And giggles. And more questions. If you’re taking a preschooler to a new movie, just plan on whispering answers to a litany of questions that can’t possibly wait until after the movie. “Why is that horse running? Why is that lady mean? How long is her hair? Why are they kissing?”
9. Lighten up. Assuming you’re taking your child to a kids’ movie, you won’t be the only anxious parent there. And odds are, if your kiddo giggles too loud or wiggles too much, those other parents won’t even notice.
10. Have fun! There’s something magical about watching a movie – and especially your first one – isn’t there? The screen is so big, the music is so loud, and the characters are so life-like – even when they’re cartoon characters. This is a special moment that you’ll never forget. Plan ahead, be prepared and enjoy the moment!
What was the first movie you took your kids to? Or, if you can remember this far back, what was the first movie you saw in the theater?
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Awww, what a great memory. I took my girls (teenagers!) to see Tangled over Christmas break and we all loved it so much. In fact, the older two went back to see it again! And my oldest wants to get it on DVD as soon as it comes out. Little girls are always little girls. :)
Great tips! We’ll try them soon. Our zoo membership includes free IMAX tickets. Last time my girls did well, but my 3-year-old son just couldn’t keep still. At least we weren’t paying extra to the see the show…
The first movie I took my 4 year old to was the Princess and the Frog. I definitely learned my lesson with drinks at that one. I let him share my pop (a treat for him so he drank and drank…) and ended up in the bathroom more than once. When we went to Toy Story 3 we had water and I think we didn’t have to visit the bathroom at all. This summer I think we will take our first all family movie trip to see Cars 2. Our youngest will be 3 (or close to) by then and I think he would do fine at a movie (and loves Cars).
I would guess the first theater movie I saw was E.T. A long, long time ago :)
The first movie I saw in the theater was King Kong in 1976 when I was 4yo and I remember being worried that my Grandpa would not be able to refrain from smoking during the movie. I recently saw King Kong again and *wow* it is totally inappropriate for 4-year-olds.
The first movie my son saw in the theater was when he was 3yo and it was Spirit (about a horse.) He kept asking me, “Why are we here?” and “When are we going home?” but he enjoyed it overall.
This is perfect timing for me! We’re considering taking our daughter to the movies the week after her second birthday (in just about 6 weeks!) It’ll be her first movie. We’re trying to plan some family-fun activities for that week since my husband will be on vacation!
Thanks for the tips!
When my oldest was a baby, we went to the movies all the time. He went to sleep the instant the movie started. It was SO nice! Our other two children were not like that though.
I absolutely LOVED Tangled. Did Annalynn?
My first movie in the theatre was Top Gun. I went to a late, late show with my siblings and my mom’s then-boyfriend. I prompting fell asleep during the opening scenes. :)
The first movie I saw in the theater was Snow White. I have very hazy memories of it. The best part of this story is that my mom and aunt both had to hold my seat down the whole movie because I was such a lightweight at 2 yo- it kept popping back up with me on it!
These are some great tips. I still haven’t taken my 3yo to a movie yet since she gets scared sooo earsily.
We tested out the movies during the summer – when the theaters offer free kids’ movies on weekday mornings. It’s kind of a free-for-all so it didn’t matter if the kids were running around, dancing, crying, eating loudly… a great trial run!
Your tips are GREAT, but I really just want to commend you on your love for Zach. Tangled was precious too!
Great tips. For my 2 kids (who were afraid of the dark) I would bring glow sticks. =)
Ooh, great tip, Stephanie!
I haven’t been to see a movie in 5 years. Needless to say, we haven’t taken Grace yet, but these are awesome suggestions if we ever take the plunge.
I have to say that watching a movie with a preschooler is an exercise in futility. She asks questions every three seconds. Sometimes, she interrupts herself to ask a new question. We’re watching the same movie! I am a very, very patient momma in every aspect except when we’re watching a movie. That gabbing just gets to me.
Tara! Are you not a movie person, or does it bum you out to go so long without seeing a movie? I feel your pain on the incessant questioning. I’m NOT a very patient mom, and some days, the questions just about do me in!
We certainly watch plenty of movies at home. I used to go to the movies every single week, but when I got married and then had Grace, I just didn’t have the urge any more. There’s other stuff to do, you know?
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