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Essential Lists & Tips

8 Quick Tips for Taking a Toddler to Their First Movie

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With Minions, Pan, Inside Out, Hotel Transylvania 2, The Jungle Book and Snoopy all hitting cinemas in the next few months and TGV Cinemas introducing its Family Friendly Sessions, it’s a great time to pack the kids up for a fun trip to the movie theatre.

But how can you tell if your munchkin is ready for the big screen?

A child as young as 4 should be able to enjoy a kid-friendly movie – they are old enough to follow a fairly complex story line and have the patience to sit in place for more than an hour. Of course, each child is different. Take cues from you child’s behaviour at home: if he can sit through a longer movie at home and isn’t sensitive to loud noises, then he’s probably ready, regardless of his age.

Ready to go? Here’s what else you need to know before hitting the cinemas:

1. Choose a movie that is kid-friendly. It should be free of violence, abusive or vulgar language, excessively loud sounds and intimate scenes.

2. Try a weekday afternoon. They tend to be sparsely attended, and you won’t be interrupting anyone’s date night, either.

3. Choose aisle seats so you can get to the bathroom or make an exit quickly if necessary.

4. Get your tot excited about the movie. A day or two before the movie, explain what he’ll be seeing there. Get him excited about it by being excited yourself.

5. Bundle up. Cinema halls can get cold so a hoodie will keep your tot warm and toasty.

6. Skip the previews. Previews are sensory overload for little eyes, ears, and minds. Look at the printed showtime and then add 15 minutes. That’s about how much time is spent on movie trailers.

7. Bring plenty of snacks. Little ones are much better at sitting and watching a movie when they have fruit, crackers, and other finger food snacks they can feed themselves. Pass on the popcorn too as hard kernels are choking hazards.

8. Be prepared to leave. If he’s not into the movie, take it as a cue to cut the trip short. It’s bound to happen and that’s okay. There will be other opportunities to try it again.

That’s it.  You’re ready.  Now, go out there and see these kid-friendly movies!

Image Credit: iStockphoto.