Too Young for the Movies?

Updated on November 20, 2006
M.L. asks from Charleston, SC
24 answers

Hi,

I want to take my 19 month old to see Happy Feet - it looks so cute! Is he too young for movies?

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K.J.

answers from Norfolk on

Not if you think it will hold his attention. I would say be ready to leave early if he loses interest.

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M.

answers from Charlotte on

I was also thinking about taking my 2.5 year old until I started reading the reviews closely. Despite the trailers it looks like a heavier movie that is geared to older children. I finally decided that if there is something in it worthy of the PG rating instead of a G then we'll skip this round.

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S.C.

answers from Killeen on

Can he sit for long periods of time? Like maybe in his stroller? Definitely take him AFTER his nap. If I'm in the theater and he's whining, I'll be angry....that's 8 bucks down the drain! We take our 10 month old daughter to the movies all the time...alwyas have. But always when she is well rested, fed and dry. I only wish other parents could be so considerate!

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A.W.

answers from Asheville on

i just recently took my 22 month old to see open season....he did really great....he just pretty much went lap to lap and sat in the seat himself....we got him a kiddie combo and he was quite happy with that....i did it as a test to see if he could handle a movie and he did great....i went at the 730 show and there was hardly anyone there....i would pick a time when there was hardly anyone there, that way if he does make a fuss then you wont be bothering people. hope this helps!!!

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A.D.

answers from Charlotte on

We have five children and the oldest four have gone when they were around 3. We took them when they saw something on tv that they constantly talked about, this way we knew they would be interested once we got there. Our 3 1/2 yr old BB twins went to see Cars and they loved it, they switched between my husband and myself every 15-20 minutes which we thought was pretty good. I would suggest waiting, not until three because every child is different but when you think your child will sit for that extended period of time. We also took child snacks from home with us but treated them to a Sprite for the movie, don't want to add sugar and caffiene into the mix. LOL!! We always go after nap also, this way they are not cranky! Good Luck!

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M.L.

answers from Charlotte on

Well, as a active movie goer there is nothing worst than to go to the movies and children don't sit still to watch the movie. With that said, have you consider taking your child to the matenee? Usually, because most parents take their young children then and begin giving them use to watching movies. It is never too early to start getting your child use to outings and being among other people. They will begin to learn how to behave and respect their surroundings. Remember to make the experience fun. Good Luck!

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S.

answers from Spartanburg on

I am going to say yes, he will not understand what is going on, and those movies always have story lines that are geared toward children who are 5-10 years old, plus it may be very difficult for him to sit still for the duration of the movie, and if you are like me you have been to a movie where a child was either pitching a fit or running around and it made it hard for everyone around them to enjoy the movie. you know your child best, however I say wait til he is closer to 3-4 years old to introduce the movie theatre and get Happy Feet on DVD.

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G.S.

answers from Fayetteville on

Too young for the movies, definately NOT. HOWEVER if the child is not use to the movies, you, the child and the other viewers will defiantely not have a pleasant time.

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L.B.

answers from Norfolk on

Hi! 19 months is not too young for the movies (depending on the child). I always took my daughter to the movies when she was little like that. I would suggest though, to go to a daytime showing. Most theaters have a rule about children under a certain age after a certain time in the evening. And theaters will make you fold your stroller up as well. But I would think your son would have a great time sitting on your lap watching the movie. Make sure to pack some puffs or baby snacks for him and even a toy if he gets a little antsy. chances are though, he'll fall asleep in the middle of the show (my duaghter always took a nap sometime during the movie...lol...). Enjoy yourself and have fun at the movies!
L. B

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N.B.

answers from Raleigh on

I am not sure where you are located, But Palace Pointe in Roxboro has show times for mothers of young children. Admission is discounted, plus instead of completely turning off the house lights they are dimmed & it is expected that children are going to make a little bit of noise & even play alone or even with others. I know that there is a theather in Durham that also has "child friendly" shows times.

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S.L.

answers from Greensboro on

Hey M.,
Like many others have said, all children are different. I have taken my daughter to the movies several times and shes only 15 months. She actually loves it, depending on the movie she sits very intreaged through most ove the movie. Taking some snacks and mabey a sippy cup will help too. She may even sleep through it! my daughter has a couple of times! Good luck and youll never know entil you try!

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E.D.

answers from Asheville on

I also think 19 months is too young for the movies. It will be dark and really loud, your son may not be able to sit still for that long (I can't think of a toddler who could sit still for an entire movie!) He may even get scared. My older son was 3 before he saw his first movie in the theatre. My 2 year old has not been yet. . I would recommend watching movies at home for awhile longer!

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T.P.

answers from Charlotte on

Not sure that an animated movie is as loud as an action/adventure. We have a couple that started taking their baby to the movies when she was only 2 months old. It sounded almost cruel that they were taking her into a loud movie but they said she slept right through it. I have a 19 month old son and at his age I have even thought of taking him to see Happy Feet too. He loves music. I think its fine.

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V.T.

answers from Charlotte on

I think that it depends on the child. For one there will probably be a lot of other children there, If you think your child is disciplined enough to handle it, then go a head and take him. But just in case I would just go during a time when most adults are working or make sure its an early show. I would Love to be able to take my son, but he is only 2 1/2 months (definitely too young). I love penguins and I want to see it so bad. But like I said, if you think your son/daughter can handle it, why not take them.

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G.P.

answers from Norfolk on

Is not too young for movies but maybe she is too young for the movie THEATHER...2 different things. You know your daughter better than anyone, if you think she can stay calm and not disturb the other take her...Happy Feet looks so cute :D

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D.B.

answers from Charlotte on

Hi Megan,

I took my 2yr old to the movie's when he was 1 yrs old and he loved it. We took the stroller in with us and on his stroller it had a tray that he could have his snacks and his drink during the movie and with it being so dark he ended up going to sleep before the movie was over! He really enjoyed it that we still take him to watch movie's and as long as he has his popcorn and a drink we couldnt ask for a better! If you go have a great time and I hope she is good for you so you can still enjoy her and the movies!!

D.

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J.W.

answers from Norfolk on

My husband and I take our son to the movies all the time. He's 11 months and we just go see the cute little movies for family time. He sleeps through most of it and we go a week or so after the movie has been out because there tend to be less people or, other people with children. It helps with socialization in public places, on how to behave in certain places. I say go, take you child and have fun. Besides children under two get in free at most places :)

~Jenn

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S.H.

answers from Spartanburg on

We used to take our son alot and he did well now he is getting to the terrible twos and doesn't do well. My son is now 21 months old. He used to go to sleep or he would be content eating popcorn, but we took him to see Cars a few months ago and he showed his rear badly!! It doesn't hurt to try. I find that if he starts acting up I can find a place in the back of the theater to stand with him and he will at least behave long enough to see the rest of the movie. Then again that is easier said than done and I will wait at least another year before I try again, lol! Good luck if you decide to give it a shot!

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S.J.

answers from Charlotte on

Hi M.,

It could be OK if you take him to a matinee and be prepared to leave if he starts getting too bored or disruptive. A full-length movie is a long time for a little one to sit still, but as long as he's not bothering anyone (but you :)) it could be OK. I would not recommend a weekend when the theater tends to be crowded. Good luck!

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V.H.

answers from Charleston on

Not at all I took my daughter to the movies younger than that and she loved it. I say go for it just keep in mind to have a juice cup and snacks to help keep her busy too.

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M.A.

answers from Spartanburg on

Yes!!At 19 months attention spans arn't long enough to sit quietly through and hour or so long movie without disrupting other movie goers. If you do decide to take them hit an early show during the week.. this will leave the theater nearly empty with others bring little ones, try to sit near the end of the asile so if you need to remove yourself because of a tantrum or tears you can w/o interupting others. From personal experence I hate after spending ALL that money to go see a movie only to hear babies cry or kids screaming through it. Even though this looks like a kids movie its NOT Disney.. a lot of these outside cartoony movies such as Sherk, Ants, Madagascar ect have language and scenes geared toward adult humor NOT kids. You may want to watch it yourself before taking young children.

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T.B.

answers from Asheville on

HEY M.,FIRST LET ME START OUT BY SAYING I ALWAYS TYPE IN ALL CAPS, I HAVE NERVE DAMAGE ADN IT'S MUCH EASIER. AS FOR TAKING THE BABY TO THE MOVIES THAT IS ALL IN THE LIL ONES ATTITUDE.WE USED TO TAKE OUR DAUGHTER TO MOVIES WHEN SHE WAS LIL ENOUGH TO STILL BE IN THE REAR FACING CAR SEAT BUT ONCE SHE WAS OLD ENOUGH TO SIT IN THE SEATS AND WE TRIED IT I ENDED UP MISSING A COOL LIL CARTOON MOVIE THAT I REALLY WANTED TO SEE BECAUSE SHE WAS SCARED AND SHE AND I ENDED UP IN THE CAR WHILE HER DADDY AND BROTHER WATCHED IT AND I DECIDED THEN THAT I'D WAIT BEFORE THAT HAPPENED AGAIN. BUT IT IS ALL IN EACH CHILDS PERSONALITY AND HOW THEY REACT I GUESS YOU JUST HAVE TO TRY IT AT LEAST ONCE TO FIND OUT.GO LUCK TO YOU, I HOPE YOU GET TO SEE IT AND ALL GOES WELL.T.

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P.P.

answers from Norfolk on

We took my 6year old to her 1st movie at 6 months. Also I am a nanny and I took the baby I watch to the free kids movies at 2 1/2 months old, and we went 3 times a month this past summer and the summer before i just made sure i had snack and a sippie cup and when she was younger a bottle prepared for her.

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A.J.

answers from Fayetteville on

Hi Megan
I have a little girl that is 13 months old. I have taken her to movies since she was a few months old. She would sleep thru them then, but now i think she would enjoy it. As long as your child is a well behaved, easy going kid, a 19 month old I think should be able to go and have fun watching. I plan on taking her to see Happy Feet -she dances when the previews come on and I want to see it. I don't think you will have any problems taking your child. But you know your child better than anyone. Just take snacks and juice to entertain.
p.s. let me know how it is. lol
A.

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