For my 6 and 11 year old to watch a film at the cinema without me

[Littlebittiredoflife]

They want to watch dogman and I don't think I can face it. If it was just the 11 year old, I'm thinking this would absolutely be ok. But with the six year old I'm unsure as he might get a bit scared and there's the worry that popcorn is quite a chokeable snack. Both of them just likely to sit and watch the film though. And I'd be next door watching something that doesn't want to make me gouge my eyes out.

please don't do this. Having that glow from a 'phone is incredibly rude and irritating

Cinemas simply won’t allow it - most will have rules that at least under 8 need accompanied during the day and under 10 in the evenings

which is why 11 year old can and your 6 year old cant!

I wouldn’t. Especially when you’ve said your 6yr old may get scared and there is potential choke hazard etc it’s too young I’m afraid

Ah power rangers was cheesy! Dogman was just utter crap!

Went with dc to watch DogMan yesterday. There were two mums in the front seats that spent the whole time on their phones. They were light up like projectors and quite distracting.
The film was cute and engaging but they'll never know that. Just like they'll never know many other things they missed in their children's world while staring at their little screens like zombies.

They'd probably be fine on their own, but might not be, which is why you either have to go yourself or pay for someone to go with them who is old enough to take responsibility. Do you know any sixteen year olds who would appreciate a free ticket?

I didn't like the film at all, but agree with the phone issue.
We went to see 'Purple Pencil' a while ago, and there were two Mums sitting in front of us with 3 dcs between them. They kept cackling so loud at everything. Then we realised they were drunk, and drinking in the cinema at lunchtime. 🤔 When they left they were taking selfies next to the display boards outside.

What type of parent sends their child into the cinema alone, "because I don't want to see the film"? I took my ds, now 19 to many, many films over the years, starting with Up when he was about 3! It was something I loved to do. We've enjoyed many films together over the years. I don't think I really disliked any but enjoyed most and loved some and if the film gave dc pleasure it was lovely to see. That's what is about, spending time with your dc, sharing an experience and making them happy. In fact, dh and I love "kids" films and are sorry we don't have a valid reason to go and see then anymore! Ds and I now go and see 80s films at out local independent and we very occasionally still go as a family.
Plus, no cinema will allow a parent to sit their with their phone lighting up throughout a showing.

Just have a nap 😂 no way the 6 year old should be left with 11 year old. At least if you’re there but napping you’re there if needed

I didn't realise people were still going to the cinema when you can watch it at home for cheaper and actually hear what's being said/pause it if you need to/ignore it if you don't want to watch it.

Have you thought about doing that and doing something away from a screen with them for the activity/bonding/leaving the house part?

Take an eye mask and some ear plugs and then just have a kip.

My DH just brings his kindle and turns the light down and reads.
I don't mind them too much, kids movies at least are not too long.
Went to an animated spiderman one a while ago that nearly killed me though.

Westfacing I agree. No DGC yet(I'm waiting) ! I have sat through so many children s films its unreal ! have snoozed off a few times .Hope for those still in this position ,it does improve. my DC is older now. I am looking forward to Bob Dylan movie ,at our local cinema just hubby and me.Also B.Jones movie courtesy of my good friends birthday present (last September ) the following week(incidentally £9.00 at our cinema per seat ,£18.00 in Odean per seat although Recliner ) OP I would not let DC go alone.

Your home isn’t full of complete strangers, it’s hardly comparable.

I went with my 6 year old last week and had a lovely little snooze whilst sat next to her. She thought it was the best film shes ever seen. There is no way Id ever let her go into the cinema alone - you are crazy to even consider it.

What you're suggesting just isn't ok.

You have a 6yo - you have to accompany them.

I don't understand the problem, it's just a film, you can rest your eyes. I can't think of a film suitable for kids that I couldn't sit through.

Yes we've done library, park, farm park and swimming this week. I don't especially feel it's a bonding activity like the ones where you actually do stuff together. If it's a film I was vaguely interested in then it'd be a couple of hours as downtime to relax with snacks and not have to to be so engaged with them as the other activities. Hence why I didn't feel they'd need me there for that reason. But plenty of other reasons why they would need me there.

I do really disagree with pp that this is a part of parenting and I need to suck it up. I don't think my children would be harmed if I only ever took them to see kids films that I had some interest in seeing as well. In fact I don't think there'd be any detriment to them not going to the cinema at all until they were old enough to go by themselves.

Well no, they won't be harmed but it's pretty mean and selfish of you.
Do you apply this attitude to your partner too?

No. Take them and go somewhere else in your own head during the film. Or pay a babysitter to take them.

Can you buddy up with a mum friend and take her kids too? I used to do this and so only had to sit through a few crap movies as she sat through the others. Kids enjoy having the company of their friends too so definitely a win. 😂

It depends on the kids.
Mine ( with that age gap) were perfectly fine to go to the cinema together. You can pick a family-friendly showtime, and sit as nearby as you can, on hand in case of problems.
No popcorn, but maybe some sweets, and strict instructions to stay together. They'll be fine. I'm sure you've already had loads of chats about dodgy strangers and what to do if someone tries to touch them or speak inappropriately .

Does the fact that there’s potential for someone to touch them inappropriately (however unlikely) not suggest that you shouldn’t be putting them in that situation in the first place?

I took DD and her pal yesterday to see Dogman, it's actually not bad, passed the 6 laugh test for me. I also managed a 20 min nap so all in all not bad.

But no as I'm sure others have said 6 year old can't go to cinema alone. Even if was just the 11 year old if you plan to watch something else I very much doubt you'll find something shorter than that as it's running time is a tight 94mins and sadly very rare to find those in most films these days.

I actually thought it was better than the trailer implied. I really wasn't looking forward to it, but I watched a bit and dozed a bit. I'm glad we went as they loved it.

I find it concerning a parent would ask this question.