A mother explains that when her son was three and a half years old, he was very interested in nature films and documentaries. So, when my husband and I found out that a movie theater near our house was showing a wildlife documentary, we immediately took our son there. My son thought it was cool when he entered the cinema building, but from there everything went wrong, and very quickly. In this article, learn about the reason why this entertainment is ruined, the reasons for children’s fear of cinema, the appropriate age for children to go to the cinema, and the important points of going to the cinema with children.
The continuation of the story from the words of a mother
When the hall lights went out, his body contracted. The excessively loud sound of the music that played in the hall caught my child’s ears. Then, on the screen, a herd of galloping caribou came suddenly towards us, as if they were going to pass us. At that point, my son was completely terrified and hysterical. We left the salon after 12 minutes and tried to assuage his fears and our own guilt by buying him fries.
Causes of children’s fear of watching a movie in the cinema
Even a normal cinema without digital facilities and special technology can be surprising and scary for young children. But why are children sometimes afraid of watching movies in the cinema?
In the cinema, everything is bigger, brighter, and louder. Unlike at home, where you can turn off the TV or go to the bathroom to rest, the cinema can make the child feel somewhat trapped. It’s also hard for very young children to follow the story of a long movie, which can make it even more challenging to sit in one place for about two hours.
The right age to go to the cinema with a child
For these reasons, many experts generally recommend that parents not take their children to their first movie theater experience until they are at least four years old, or ideally five years old.
Going to the cinema with children
With all that said, if you think your under-five is ready for their first movie adventure, keep these important points in mind:
Know children’s movies
Choose movies made specifically for very young children. Many parents can recount a scene from a children’s movie or cartoon that seriously messed up their kids. That’s not to say they aren’t good movies, but a child has to be old enough to digest disturbing issues like death in The Lion King and hunting in Tarzan on the big screen.
Also, understand that most children under the age of six do not know the difference between fantasy and reality. So if they see a huge, weird-looking creature on the screen, even if it’s a benevolent creature, and even if you explain to them that it’s not real, it’s still scary to them. For them, seeing is believing.
Although the choices are limited, there are movies that very young children can enjoy. Elmo’s Adventures in Grouchland and other Sesame Street movies are safe choices; Their storylines are simple, the characters are familiar and there is no great tension that can upset a child. Do your research and, for example, consult with friends who have seen the movies you want.
You can also use the internet. Some sites offer great reviews for parents that have details about movies, such as what the movie is about, what might be scary or disturbing for a child, and other helpful information.
Prepare the child
If this is your child’s first time at the movies, explain that the lights will be dimmed and that they will be expected to sit for a while. Make it equally clear that he will not be forced to stay at the cinema in any way. Remember that there is a toilet right outside the door and a lobby with bright lights behind the door.
It is also important to explain some basic details about the movie he will see. Review the story in plain language, talk about the characters. That way, he spends less time understanding the story and more time enjoying it.
Prepare in advance
Imagine how shocking it must be for a child to pull into a parking lot moments before the big show starts and then be rushed into a darkened auditorium. With that in mind, get there early and have enough time to buy, say, popcorn, and most importantly, find seats.
For children, good seats mean seats that are far enough from the screen and right next to the aisle to ensure easy entry and exit. Bring your baby’s comforting blanket or doll, as well as some baby wipes for messes from food and drink spills.
Expect an unexpected reaction
Even if you take the above precautions, the child may still get scared or confused. Adults look for the obvious, like monsters, ugly villains, and complicated stories that might be inappropriate. But the mind of a young child often works in ways that we often cannot imagine.
For example, a child might be completely confused by a movie because they can’t understand how a “bad guy” could have such a “nice” car, or Cinderella’s evil stepsisters might not scare your child. , but Cinderella’s stepmother’s cat Lucifer may give her nightmares.
If your child is old enough to cooperate, identify a sign by which he can let you know that the movie is too much for him. Tell her she can hold your hand if she’s a little scared. If he needs a break, he can go to the lobby with you and take a walk. Finally, create a signal or code word that will tell you if your child can’t take it anymore and really wants to leave.
If he says the word, know that he’s not just trying to do what he’s learned, he really wants to go, and you should respect his request.
Do not force the child
Whatever you do, don’t make an upset child sit through the movie, whether it’s because his older siblings will be sad to leave, or because you want your child to see that everything turns out okay in the end.
Happy endings don’t mean much to very young children. When they leave the theater, they remember the monster alive and roaring, even though they are dead at the end of the movie. Regarding the issue of older siblings, you can leave the younger child at home or with your friends and not go to the cinema with your older children until the little ones are old enough. It’s better for them, and spending some alone time at the movies is one of the best things you can do for an older sibling.
Follow the clues without lying
If your child gets upset about something while watching a movie, follow their cues when dealing with the subject. If he doesn’t mention it later, don’t either. If the topic is brought up, simple and clear explanations work best.
There is also no reason to lie, you should present a limited portion of the truth in a calm and straightforward manner, so as to provide the reassurance the child needs. So instead of saying, “Bambi’s mom may be dead, but I’m never going to die leaving you alone!” You can say, “You don’t have to worry, because there are no predators here.” Even if there are flaws in your reasoning, children at this age usually won’t find them. Sometimes it takes time for kids to get over something that upset them and it’s up to parents to patiently help them along the way. This help could even mean putting off going to the movies until your child is a little older.