There is more chance of being killed on the way to the movie theatre in the car than at the movie theatre itself. There is SO much media coverage of murders in the US that one can tend to think it’s a common occurence. I mean, ask yourself how many murders in theatres there have been in the past year in the whole of the US. Out of 328,000,000 people: Zero!
I let my daughter go to an age appropriate movie with a group of friends at age 11. I did tell her of my own experience of a man exposing himself in a nearby seat when I was a kid and discussed with her what to do if that ever were to happen…and then told her, “Enjoy the movie!”.
Knowing what others have experienced by what age they felt was reasonable to experience the movies without a parent sitting in with them, allows me to share with my husband what other parents experiences. Another parent sharing helps a parent know they aren’t alone in their thoughts and that at some point its ok to let go of the reins a bit allow a child to grow. That’s why I’m sure we all ask questions on this website to see what others have experienced its easier then calling up or emailing 15 friends to see what they think lol thanks for sharing. Times have changed and their wasn’t people waking in movie theaters and having gun battles, I was lucky to experience, the community swimming pool, movies, roller skating rink with a small group of friends at age 12 that was the 70’s times are different, so that’s why I am asking. I am still experiencing parents of his friends that still want to tag along it’s not me I say go, go with your friends. I just need something to share with my husband and his friends parents that it’s ok to let go…I’m not the helicopter parent asking just need something to back me up.