3 Signs Your Child Is Ready For The Movie Theater
Many parents want to share the experience of animated films with their children. However, it can be difficult to tell if your child is old enough to actually enjoy a movie and sit through a feature-length animation. If you want to take your child to their first movie, you should look for these three signs that they are ready.
They Can Sit Through An Entire Movie At Home
You should definitely do a test-run at home. If your child only watches 10-15 minutes of a movie before getting up and playing or wandering around the house, they may not be able to follow complex story lines and will likely not be able to sit still for a movie at the theater.
If your child can sit through a movie at home, consider making their first movie theater experience something familiar, such as the second movie in an animated series. This way, they are familiar with the characters and already engaged with the movie, making it easier for them to follow what is happening.
They Can Express Their Needs And Wait For Fulfillment
Between the age of 2-3, a child is still developing self-control. They are learning about appropriate behavior in different environments and are also learning to wait for the things they want. During this age, your child may be too young to express their desire for a snack, to use the bathroom, or to get up and walk around in an appropriate manner for the theater. You may be able to keep a child this age engaged by anticipating their needs and providing them with plenty of snacks and sitting in an area where they can walk around, if they need to. However, waiting until your child develops patience and the ability to delay gratification will give you a less-stressful, more enjoyable experience.
They Are Okay With the Dark and Loud Noises
The movie theater can be a scary place for young children, especially if they are afraid of the dark or easily startled by loud noises. If your child is startled or anxious when you turn out the lights at night, they may not be ready for a movie theater. However, if your child can laugh at loud, surprising noises, and is amused by turning off the lights and watching a light show or shadow puppets, they will probably enjoy the theater experience.
Taking your child to an animated film can be a fun family event. However, make sure your child is ready so the first time is enjoyable and memorable.
For more tips and information about the upcoming animated, family-friendly movies, visit websites like Rotoscopers.