DS (8) scared of cinema

[mrscupcake]

My DS, aged 8, who loves films, developed a major fear of the cinema around 2 years ago. We've tried to go a few times but he just becomes inconsolable and we end up leaving before the film starts.

He says it's too noisy, he has never been keen on loud noises, more so since having grommets around 4 years ago (they are still in).

I'm thinking of getting him some ear defenders to see if that helps - just wondered if anyone else has had this problem and how you dealt with it?

Many thanks ????

Do you need to take him?
I hate the cinema...can't bear people eating around me or chatting/ disrupting...and found taking the dcs an awful experience.
So I never took them more than a couple of times.

My dd was never a fan, the noise was also a big issue. She especially didn't like high drama cartoons with baddies/ scary sequences. How to train a dragon and Kung fu panda are just 2 which didn't work well. As a result we went very rarely. She was much better with films with real people, and less dramatic eg horrid Henry, mamma Mia.

She's 12 now and will still avoid going if she's doubtful about the film, has been happy to miss friends cinema parties, but is a lot better.

Was never an issue as the cinemas hardly a necessity, so it's been easy to be led by her. Only complications have been to arrange things if ds particularly wanted to see something.

Think of the money you'll save.

I'd agree with just not going, to be honest. However, some cinemas run special showings for children with special needs (ASD etc). The lights are left on and the volume is turned down. Could you try going to something like that? The films are usually for younger children, but it might get him used to the idea at least.

Is it maybe the films he's been to see. I think a lot of "children's" films can be really quite scary for some DC. I didn't take mine unless they were nice happy films, so it was often stuff like Princess Diaries or Ella Enchanted.

Agree with pp - does he really need to go? I loathe the cinema. I haven't been in 3 years. When we want to watch a film we download it and watch it at home with a packet of haribo. Much, much cheaper and more enjoyable!

Why take him?

I can't remember the last time I went to the cinema ............ so expensive anyway you can see everything at home these days, saves money, more comfortable and no one interrupting your enjoyment of the film (or if they do at least you can stop the film and see it again ).

It does save lots of money!! You're right I shouldn't worry about it, it's just something I used to love to do with him before his fear developed. Bizarrely it is the cartoon type films that scare him the most, although the Muppets most wanted was the nail in the coffin!
Thanks all

Hi ya try Autism friendly screening's, my son like yours hated the cinema he didn't like the noise and the darkness
In the Autism friendly screenings the noise is lowered and there are lights left on the side of the walls. My son loves the movies now but only Autism friendly viewings. As well you can take in your own food and drinks, which is a bonus, sometimes there are children and adults (with disabiltys) who occasionally make a bit of noise , but no one minds, you have to rember it's for Autisc people.
The screening's at our local cinemas are every 1st Sunday of the month at one cinema and every 4th at the other. If you check out the cinemas website and search for them you can find out whats on and when.

I was doing to suggest autism friendly showings too. If you google "dimensions autism friendly" you will get a list of what is on where.