Tips for Taking a 2 Year Old to the Movies

If you're a mom or care giver for a toddler you'll appreciate this post! I watch my young niece during the day... who by the way is a physically disabled. At the tender age of just 2 1/2 she doesn't walk, but they are planning a surgery that might be able to help her. I'll keep you posted on that news as it continues to develop.

In any case, last week I wanted to take my own children (ages 7 and 9) to see one of the Summer movies offered through a program offered here through Dickinson Theaters, providing very affordable movie viewing if we go at the right time of the day and see the films they've selected for us! lol They're all movies that came out last year or in previous years, but we've not seen most... so no big deal right? The only challenge was what to do about their 2 year old cousin who is easily freaked by anyone or anything bearing an angry  or scary face (who can blame her for that) and who has yet to make it through a Disney movie without crying over the appearance of a villain.

So, we had a couple problems to contend with.... keep her happy, keep her still, keep her quite! lol All things any mom or care giver would concern themselves with when taking a young child to a theater. Here's what I did... maybe it could work for you?

I brought the following in my take along tote:

• 2  juice boxes and 2 water bottles (for obvious reasons... my kids had the water, their cousin the juice)
• 3 Ziplock bags (for redistributing purchased popcorn amongst the kiddos... and me)
• A baby blanket (for hiding from any scary cartoon faces or voices... works best if you hide with them! Make it a game.)
• Skittles or M&M's (distributed one at a time) to 2 year old anytime I sensed she'd lost interest and was looking for an Exit

Also... I was prepared to carry her just outside the theater doors where my kids could catch up with us should she have a meltdown. I brought with me a Leapster game system (something she loves, but only comes out a few minutes a day... making it special) I knew if worse came to worse, she'd be entertained and quiet and my kids could finish their movie.

The outcome? It actually went pretty well. Despite some popcorn on the floor and a lot of time under the blanket, she seemed to enjoy her first movie on the silver screen. During the last 5 minutes of the film, I had to pick her up and walk her towards the back of the theater, as I thought she was done, but just as we approached the doors she regained an interest in the film so we stood and watched the last few moments.

Hopefully something I've shared here gives you some ideas on how to survive a movie with your own toddler! One thing I forgot to mention... be sure they take a nap BEFORE you leave. My little niece slept for about an hour just before lunch, then we hit the theater and by the time we were home, she was ready for another nap! lol

Good luck!