I realize this is probably partly based on the personality of a child. But I thought I'd check with experienced moms and see what they think? My daughter who's 2 has about a 20 minute attention span. Anything longer is not possible. We would love to eventually watch family movies at home with her or maybe take her to a movie or a show. But, I'm not willing to shell out money for something she won't sit through, like a circus. I suppose I could experiment when free movies come back to Regal Cinemas this summer.
Thanks for all the responses. It looks like there is a bit of a range. The drive in theater is a good idea. We have rented kids movies and attempted a family movie night. My husband makes popcorn. However, when the popcorn runs out, so does her attention! LOL She just turned 2 on Valentine's day so I guess we'll keep trying movies at home once in a while. In July/August she'll be closer to 2.5 so I can experiment with a more public venue then (free Regal movies). In the meantime, if anyone else wants to post their experiences, I'd love to hear.
My daughter is 3 and it has to be a VERY engaging movie for her to sit through it entirely -- action packed and very lively.
Going to those free shows is the best way to experiment...or you can rent a good kids movie (my daughter LOVED night at the museum) and put it on the television and watch it with the lights off and popcorn -- see how she does.
Good luck!
We started taking my daughter Allison to movies when she turned three. It took a few failed attempts, but finally, over the summer, she got it. She turned four in February and has been to Enchanted, Alvin and the Chimpmunks, and a few others. Animated films really hold her attention. Try to find off-hour showings, sit in the aisle seats, and stuff your purse with her favorite treats.
A 20 minutes attention span for a 2 years old is more than expected. At this age your child is in a stage of discovery of new things in her/his environment.
Children at this age want to experience and experiment all their senses. Watching a movie uses only the senses of sight and hearing. Your child at this age do not possess all the comprehension or understanding to interprate the pictures and sounds that are needed to experience a "sitting still" requirement necessary to enjoy a movie with you.
Good luck!
Addy
My oldest was just under 2 & he did ok at the movies. Most times he would fall asleep but there were many a times that he would lose his binky & that would mean that we'd have to hunt in the dark for it. My now 4 y/o would run up & down the aisle at the dollar movie but if it was a movie he liked such as Cars then he was ok. I have not taken my 15 month old daughter yet so I'm not sure how she will be.
We also do the drive-in thing a lot. It's cheap & the kids can get loud or bounce around if they need to do so without it bothering anyone else. This really is the best trial option for the acutal movies. If you can start out at home with rentals. If you have a Netflix account just rent a kid friendly movie or a family movie. At least at home you can always pause the movie or stop it & come back when needed.
Good luck & be sure to time it when your daughter's in a good mood. My boys would go to sleep if they get tired at the drive-in. Oh & the best part about movies at home or the drive-in? You can go in your PJs & take her favorite blanket & pillow too. :)
My daughter started sitting for a movie at about 2 1/2 yrs old. It also depends on what it is. She loves anything that has to do with Scooby Doo, Princess, Dora, and some Disney movies. :o)
> I realize this is probably partly based on the
>personality of a child.
A lot has to do with the venue and subject matter, and the time of day, too! {:o)
Both of my boys started watching theater-movies at about 2. If the movie is something that they'd get sucked into at home, and isn't *too* long, you should be fine.
We've done the Drive-In at the Swap Shop down in Sunrise a couple of times now, and the kids barely watch the screen at all. They're a little better at the free movies at Mizner Park and Old School Square, but are easily distracted and end up entertaining themselves in lots of other ways (needing more popcorn, playing with other nearby kids).
I've a feeling that a 90 minute Dora the Explorer feature would have your little girl glued to her seat until the credits, but I haven't heard of any kid fare in the pipeline about to be released right now.
-Scott (S.'s Hubby)
Hello K. I think you may want to see all children are tought and you are lucky that your daughter can watch something for 20 min. My children came 18 years appart. You sound like me when I was in my 20s. Now I do something totally diffrent.Where ever I go I take my son. He learns how to be somewhere. And many times places charge by age. later as your daughter will look forward to the places that give breaks on Food/Shows ect. Because I think like many parents we watch what we spend when we have outings. OH! by the way to let you Know how brave I got the second time around.I love Antigue shops and When my son was a toddler I took him with me and Im disabled. Somehow he new what I needed him to do when we went out. And never did I raise my voice to him. I was the lucky one. So start small aim big. Relax
K.,
My sons started sitting through movies at around 2 years old. It depends on their interests. Once you find something they are interested in it is easy to keep them engaged. Find what it is and then attempt it.
Good luck.
S.
SAHM of 3 boys
Not until they are much older! A 20 minute attention span is WONDERFUL for a 2 year old. The "family" movies (cartoons) that are out are usually best when they are Kindergarten and up, and even then, that can still be difficult. For now, story time at the JFK Library, Books 'n Books, or even Barnes & Noble are probably better options. The longer you can keep her AWAY from TV and movies, the better off you probably are ... in a few years, you will be trying to keep your kids away from all the electronics!!! The Zoo and even the Circus might be good, but The circus is probably best at 4 or 5 yrs and up. Good luck and God's blessings!!!!!!
well, i am checking my memory banks....and think my daughter was at least 4 or 5 when i tried the movies....they just don't have the attention span....
her first movie ever was "bambi" watched at home.....it was amazing to see her sit and stare at the tv the entire time in awe! i will never forget that moment!
J.
Well, having much hindsight (my son is now 14) I remember him first sitting through and entire movie at the age of three. However, the movie was 90 minutes and he sat next to another child his age (his best friend Anna). The movie was "Dunston checks in" and it was a local movie theater's Idea to have a "mom's movie day" for younger kids. Alot of local movie theaters still offer this program. Usually they will have a special showing of some older films for kids at around 11 A.M. Call your local theater to ask. Good luck!
