How to make Cinema Outings Fun for Your Children

By Pamela Agboga

Going to the cinema to view a movie sounds great, and taking the entire family sounds like fun. However, without proper planning, what sounds like a great idea could become a terrible event. So if you want to take the family out to a closed- in, dark room with many other strangers who are there with the intention of having fun without being disturbed by others (fat chance, renting the movie and staying home would achieve that purpose), you have to take some steps to ensure a positive outcome. Conduct pre-game briefing: Talk to your children about the movie before you go. Ensure that the movie is PG appropriate for your child and that said child is excited to see it. If for any reason the child has seen the preview and is reluctant to see it, don’t press. What does not scare you can cause night terrors for your child. Arrive on time: The viewing room is going to be dark, and the big screen will take some getting used to, so arrive early enough to get good seats and allow them feel at home before the lights fully go out. Stock up early: Getting to the cinema early means you have enough time to stock up on popcorn and sodas for the full movie experience. Kids take time making food choices, so use the time wisely. Give them the options and let them choose from that, instead of confusing them with the complete range of goodies on offer. Sit strategically: With children, sitting near the aisle is a great idea, what with bathroom breaks, spills and their natural inclination to stay on their feet more than on their butts. The aisle provides an opportunity to get toddlers out for a walk-break in the corridors. Expect the worst: Remember the first tip? Well, they might not express a dislike from the preview, but may do so during the actual showing. What to do? Right in the middle of the cartoon, your child gets upset about something and doesn’t want to continue the movie. You can explain the scene to the child as honestly as possible and calm him down, or take him out for a bit. If the whole thing is going downhill, forget the money you and take your kid elsewhere, but try to resist calling up this day for the rest of his life. ‘You want me to take you out, so that you can waste my money like you did that day I took you to see that ‘How to Train Your Dragon’ movie that you begged me for?’ Conduct exit reviews: After a successful viewing, ask your children what they learnt from the movies, and if there were things they did not understand you would be able to explain to them and prevent years of confusion. Have fun and remain light-hearted, and your family outings will be relaxing and enjoyable for everyone.