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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

taking a 4,2 and 1 year old to the cinema ?

85 replies

OnEdge · 24/08/2011 21:40

I just went along with them today to watch Smurfs. It started off OK, then my 1 year old got fed up and wanted to sleep, wouldn't settle so I took her out with the 2 year old. Then I settled her to sleep on my shoulder ( had to leave buggy downstairs ). We went back in then 2 year old could not sit still in his seat, ended up playing on the steps in the isle. I moved down to the front left by the door and just sat there cringing. The 2 year old just pottered about sitting on the steps and then sitting in his seat, but he was quiet. I felt as though my efforts to keep him sat in his seat were more distracting than letting him potter about. 4 year old was just good and enjoyed the film.

When I got home, my DH was Shock that I had even tried to take them, also a friend was a bit surprised.

WIBU ? Or is it OK when its a children's film ?

OP posts:
weaselbudge · 24/08/2011 22:05

Hats off to you OP to try such a thing. I have a 1yo and 2yo and the only place I will take them in public is Tesco. However if your 2yo was quiet i'm sure he didn't bother anyone that much by sitting on the steps.

worraliberty · 24/08/2011 22:06

True maypole

And there's always Knock off Nigel down the market...so no need to take them to the cinema at all Grin

PacificDogwood · 24/08/2011 22:07

Ok, I think the OP gets it.

I, too, what it is like to have children on differing age groups and therefore interests and needing to find activities that suit them all. On your own.
'Tis not always easy.

Also, I think, as with everything else, children vary so much: my friend used to take her 2year to the cinema regularly and she'd sit through a whole Disney movie.
My DS2 aged 7 still has ants in his pants Grin...

LoopyLoopsPussInBoots · 24/08/2011 22:08

I'm thinking of setting up a toddler cinema. What wold you guys like to see in such a place?

Lilyloo · 24/08/2011 22:09

This is never a kids club film , they are always films that have been out a few months. Smurfs has just been released.
I personally wouldn't have taken a 1 and 2 year old. DD2 is 3.6 and still struggles to sit through a whole film.

maypole1 · 24/08/2011 22:10

Lol I just think its really selfish

Also when people try and being their babbles to parties gurrr if you cannot get a babysitter say the he'll home

Ok ladies lets play a game the most inappropriate place you have seen a child

A 14 year old at a Ann summers

Original poster
OnEdge · 24/08/2011 22:10

bonnieslilsister I wasn't expecting to leave her, but she wanted to stay, I was only just outside in the corridor, and I could peep in and see she was ok. When 1 year old fell asleep, we crept back in, was only out for 10 minutes.

I think i was BU, but I didn't anticipate it, what a nightmare. I am embarrassed that I was so way off the mark.

It wasn't £1, it was the Kids AM thing.

I think I expected loads of little kids to be there doing the same thing.

you live and learn.

OP posts:
maypole1 · 24/08/2011 22:14

Really most people don't have money to waist I know I wouldn't be paying ££££ for my toddler to scream their heads off for 2 hours or fall a sleep.

Original poster
OnEdge · 24/08/2011 22:14

Fuckin ell maypole weren't you a babbie once ? I don't think I should keep my baby locked indoors in case she makes a noise

OP posts:
Lilyloo · 24/08/2011 22:14

OP i guess it was just an early showing of smurfs , not the kids club however i would still want to be able to watch the film even if it was a kids club film and not be disturbed throughout.
I also have this problem op with different age dc's it is hard but i would leave the cinema until he youngest is at least 3

Original poster
OnEdge · 24/08/2011 22:15

and she didn't scream her head off for 2 hours, she cried while she settled to sleep, so i took her outside.

OP posts:
Original poster
OnEdge · 24/08/2011 22:16

I didnt pay for the baby, who slept.

OP posts:
HeadfirstForHalos · 24/08/2011 22:16

Oh dear! My friend and I took 12 children to the cinema today (kids club Grin , their ages were 10, two 8 yr olds, two 7 yr olds, two 6 yr olds, 5, 4, two 3 yr olds and a 14 month old baby. Everyone sat beatifully and after 1/2 hour the baby just slept in his buggy. We go regularly though, and the younger ones have been going since they were newborns as they were accompanying their older siblings.

Andrewofgg · 24/08/2011 22:16

Put yourself in the position of the parents of older children (come to that, put yourself in the position of the older children) and answer your own question.

GypsyMoth · 24/08/2011 22:18

actually i was naughty at the cinema today too op,so we can feel our 'cinema shame' together!!

bonnieslilsister · 24/08/2011 22:18

Sorry, I didn't mean to be judgemental! I was just thinking how hard it is when you are with children whilst out, regardless of where it is, and the different ages have different needs! What a nightmare for you. You might have to stick to boring old parks and soft play areas! xxx

Lilyloo · 24/08/2011 22:19

'Fuckin ell maypole weren't you a babbie once ? I don't think I should keep my baby locked indoors in case she makes a noise'

Not at all but there are a lot of places where noise doesn't impact on the enjoyment of others

HeadfirstForHalos · 24/08/2011 22:19

Oh, and there were a half dozen children running about at the front, they were all 7/8 plus Hmm and a group of unaccompanied 10 ish yr olds were running in and out of the cinema every 10 mins so it's not necessarily about age.

GypsyMoth · 24/08/2011 22:20

headfirst.....they let a buggy in!! they usually tell you off for sitting on the steps as a fire hazard,how come a buggy was allowed in? not in disabled area surely?

BimboNo5 · 24/08/2011 22:20

Nobody is saying you have to lock yourself away, its just a simple issue of consideration, i.e you taking your kids to the cinema because it suits you, doesnt mean your kids wont cause a nuisance to others. Sounds like you had a 'mare of a time anyway so hopefully lesson learned.

Original poster
OnEdge · 24/08/2011 22:21

headfirstforhalos can you take buggies in then ? I planned to, but the ticket man made me leave it behind the Ben and Jerry counter.

Andrewofgg Yes, I think I was, I did go for damage limitation though once I realaised I'd fucked up. I just wondered what others do, and how they see it.

OP posts:
Original poster
OnEdge · 24/08/2011 22:22

Lilyloo thats why I took her outside.

OP posts:
HeadfirstForHalos · 24/08/2011 22:23

It was at the end of an aisle near the front ILove so no steps and not the wheelchair area. We've never had any problems taking them in, it's a Vue cinema if that makes any difference?

LynetteScavo · 24/08/2011 22:24

Oh bless! You live and learn. Try again when the youngest is at least 3, if not 4.

snippywoo2 · 24/08/2011 22:25

My daughter age 15 and her nan went to see movie they thought it was really good . My daughter commented the cinema was full of under 5s who were all bored and messing about. It may look like a film for littlens when advertised but its really not, so I wouldnt be too bothered.