What are your thoughts about letting 9 year old going cinema With 12 year old sibling?

[K4515]

I am a single mum of 3, and don’t have much support around. We haven’t really been cinemas in awhile, well since my youngest was born. Who is a toddler now, my older boys 9 and 12, I know would like to go but I can’t take them as I have no one to watch my youngest, nor can I take her with us as she will not sit through a movie. My kids are sensible, I would let my 12 year go cinemas with friends but I was thinking about maybe letting him take his younger brother who is 9 with him one day. Obviously I would be taking them in and would be hanging around in town, so I’m close by. I just can’t seem to get fully on board with the idea, what’s everyone’s thoughts on this? Is it a bad idea? We also live in a small town so cinema here isn’t massively crowded.

I've got kids with that age gap and I would have let them go together without an adult. I think as long as the film is age appropriate and they had a mobile on them to contact me on case of emergency and I was nearby to the cinema.

Mine are a bit older than yours now and they first started going together aged about 11 and 14. It's a lovely thing for them to do.

I think that’s fine. They’ll love the grown up feeling of going alone (even though you’re taking them in).

As long as you’re fairly nearby and the older one has your number at hand to call, go for it!

I started letting my daughter go in with friends when she was twelve - she doesn't have any younger siblings, but her younger cousin (10 at the time, 12 now) would tag along with her sometimes

I think it's fine. I would do it.

Wish mine would. My 12 year old won't go to the cinema with his 10 year old brother but if they are confident then why not?

I think that’s fine.

It's fine and really good for them to do things independently. We helicopter out children far too much these days and it's not good for their confidence or development.

Thank you everyone. I think your comments gave me some confidence. I sure will give it a try I’m sure boys would really love that.

I would give them the rule of going to the toilet together and also go through with them what to do if they get lost, give both a card with your number on but it'll be totally fine!

@Unexpectedlysinglemum My eldest does have a mobile phone so he can contact me. But thanks for the idea I will still write my number down and pop it in my younger sons pocket just incase

Sounds lovely.

I think that would be lovely for them both and you won’t be far away anyway. Could be a regular treat for them both

My 10yr old went with a friend recently and loved it, they felt very grown up.
We chatted beforehand about behaviour expectations and what to do if anything goes wrong or makes them feel uncomfortable, but it was all fine.

I’d stay on site the first couple of times (our cinemas all seems to have a coffee shop on site or next door)

Totally fine, I would drop off, see them in and pick them up.

I think it’s fine, especially if you are nearby.

Yup, I’ve done it with mine. Tbf I’ve dropped them and picked them up, but eldest bought the tickets and popcorn. They loved it.

Sounds fine if you are nearby and the 12 year old can contact you if needed. Also if you are sure they will both behave.