How To Know if a Child is Ready to See Movies

We all remember going to movies as children, and being engrossed in the bright colors, funny characters and enchanting music.  It was a magical experience.  We want our children to have the same enjoyment, but how do we know when a child is ready to see movies?

The first thing to consider is a child's attention span.  A two or three-year-old has a very short attention span, and probably will not be able to sit through a two-hour movie.  The darkness and the volume of the sound in a movie theater can also scare small children.  Two or three-year-old children enjoy cartoons, though, and can watch them for as long as half an hour.  The best plan might be to buy or rent movies that are suitable for this age group.  At home you can take as many bathroom and snack breaks as necessary, and everyone can have a pleasant movie experience.

A four or five-year-old child is ready to see movies in a movie theater, since his attention span is longer.  But you should still plan to make some accommodations.  Sit by the aisle so you can take the child to the bathroom with as little fuss as possible.  Bring some snacks and bottled water.  Go to an afternoon movie so the child isn't worn out and cranky from being up too late.  If the child becomes frightened or bored by the movie, be understanding and be prepared to leave the theater.

Another thing to consider is the type of movie the child is going to see.  A child of around five is ready to see movies, but only if they're suitable for that age group.  The best movies for a young child are funny cartoons with engaging characters and little or no violence.  The movie should have a positive message.  It should model desirable behavior; otherwise, the child might be confused about what kind of behavior is acceptable.  It should keep the child's attention and be entertaining.

Sometimes children's movies contain emotional situations involving the loss of some character.  Many of us remember the deaths of Bambi's mother and Old Yeller.  A six-year-old child is probably ready to see movies of this type, but parents should use their judgment.  Parents know their children best, and if this is something you think your child will not be able to deal with, it's better to take him to a different movie.

Children's movies can also feature scary monsters that may frighten them.  Whether a child is ready to see movies with monsters is also a judgment call.  Think about what the child watches at home.  If he's fine with monsters at home, he'll probably also enjoy them in the movies.