Hi Moms,
My kids are 9, 4 & 2. All three of them LOVE Toy Story and my husband and I really want to take them to see it but the last time we went to see the Chipmunks 2, hubby and I were basically attending to the 2 yr old the entire tiime and I was a nervous wreck about him getting "loud" and disturbing anyone. When he did get loud, we quickly took him out for a few minutes but it gets exhausting going back and forth.
I know with Toy Story still being so new, I worry about the crowds and having him disturb anyone if he gets loud. Should I be so worried about this for a kids movie? I remember growing up as a kid seeing kid movies and I couldn't stand hearing babies cry (of course I was young and didn't understand) so I guess that's why I worry so much about disturbing anyone if he gets a little loud, even in a kids movie and I really don't want any popcorn thrown at us. : ) LOL
I really want my kids to experience movie theatres more and hubby and I both want to take them so neither of us would stay home to stay with the 2 yr old so I'd love to hear from those who take their 2 yr old and how do you handle the tantrums or wanting to run up and down the aisle if they lose interest in the movie!! You know, the 2 yr old stuff!! and he's a fairly 2 yr old, 2 yrs and 2 mnths so he's still not at the age of wanting to sit still for long.
Thanks for your help moms!!
I had just taken my daughter who is 3 to see Toy Store yesterday. I was worried how she would do considering that when I took her last year all she wanted to do was leave. I went to the earliest showing which was at 11am and her and I were the only ones in the theater. It worked out great.
I hope this helps.
My daughter lasted for 1 hour when she was 2 years old. After that she wanted to walk around so we left. We just took her to see Alvin and The Chipmunks 2 at the theater and she lasted about 1 hour 20 minutes then wanted to walk around. But she never sits at home to watch a full movie so maybe she's just used to getting up after a half hour or so. I let her get up and sit on the stairs beside me, then I took her to the bathroom for a 'break'. I just think she wanted to see what was going on around her! I think you could take your son but just realize one of you may be taking him out a lot! I'd have a secret stash of candy or snacks for him to maybe keep him busy for an additional 10 minutes once he gets antsy.
Many theaters will do a "movie matinee" that is designed for kids. You can see any of the new releases that are out, and it's for mom's that have little ones, so it's definitley loud.
I would start with those, since you're still 'breaking in" your 2yr old. Then you can stress a little less about disruption.
Check out the websites for your local theaters and see which ones offer that option. For us, it's AMC theaters here in Chicago.
Never take a 2-yr-old to a movie you're not willing to walk out of, If I'm not sure they can handle it, we go to the $1 movie. Right now some movie theatres have free summer movie camps. Also, I would make sure that he is well rested and well fed.
If neither you nor your husband want to stay home with the 2 year old and you don't think he can sit through the entire movie, you might want to consider getting a sitter for him. I have taken my 2 year old to a movie with the understanding that if she acts up I'll remove her from the theater so she won't disturb the other guests. We also go to a theater that sells lunch/dinner so there are servers moving around. It isn't as big a deal for me to get up with the little one if she needs to be removed. Plus eating lunch gives her something to do. So far she has been pretty good (even slept through part of a movie) so it hasn't been an issue.
You don't say where you live, but it's playing in the couch room at Inwood Theater at Lovers Lane & Inwood in Dallas. It's a room filled with comfortable couches, so you can all lay around with your family. I've found it's better for younger kids because they can change positions, you can cuddle, etc. It's great.
I didn't take my daughter to the movies until she turned 4 for the following reasons... I'm not paying for overpriced tix to chase her around the theatre, neither of us would be able to enjoy the film, it's not fair on the other patrons and, the movie theatre is way too loud for a little one.
Even now at 4 3/4 she has difficulty sitting thru the whole film. I would definitely suggest you take the older kids as a treat and let the younger one watch it on DVD when it becomes available.
Good luck with whatever decision you make.
I did not take my kids to the theater until they where at least 4 and could sit through a movie at home. It think it is inconsiderate of all the others who have paid their hard earned $$ to see the movie. I would hire a sitter for the youngest and only take the older ones for now.
You have their whole life to take them to movies. Why put yourself and everyone else through such torture. Just wait another year, or two. time flies .
I've taken my 2 year old a few times now and I've found popcorn and his blankey to be our very best friend. Does he have something special with that he sleeps with at night? Maybe this would help him calm down for a little bit to sit? Does he have a special snack that he really likes? Our little guy hardly ever gets popcorn at home so it's a special thing when we go to the movies. If he's just too active, and doesn't really have anything that could contain him, I'd also say you may want to keep him at home. I've been through it too, and it's more stressful than anything, you won't get to watch the movie anyways. Good luck, I hope you find something that works!
just reading this... I personally think kids movies are okay to be noisy in, they are for kids... But if it bothers you when your son gets a little loud then you may want to have someone watch him. My son is 3 1/2 and loved Toy Story 3, he sat still for the whole movie. I was a little worried at first because they have so many previews before you get to the movie. So if you do end up taking him wait at least 15-20 minutes after it starts or one of you stay in the hallway walking him around.
How does he watch tv at home, have you ever done a family movie at home, does it keep his attention for the whole time?
I thought Toy Story 3 was the best out of all of them, and it really kept my youngest to grandpa's attention the whole time!
I hope you get to watch it all!
I have been takign my daughetr to movies since she was about 2 1/2, I suggest if you dont think they can sit through the entire movie queitly, go to an early morning showing where it will be less busy, and we went and saw it last week and there were many very young kids in the theatre, I think a movie like that it doesnt take away from the experience, so it is fine.
The first time I took my boy to the movies, he was 18 months. We left early b/c he wanted to run around. The movie showing was The Tale of Despereaux. The second attempt, my boy was 2 1/2 years old. He did very well. He got up once to use the restroom. The movie showing was Monster vs alien. I think he enjoyed the movie that is why he did so well.
I havn't braved taking my 2 1/2 year old to the movies yet, but might I suggest that you go to a matinee? It's cheaper and less crowded during the day, so you might try that first. Good luck!
