Infants at the movies

[MIGrandma]

I would have brought my 6 year old too, Eclipse compared to other movies he has seen is really no big deal. Of course he'd rather watch Jurassic Park anyway

I would not bring a baby to a movie simply because I would be afraid it would hurt their poor ears. Movies are LOUD!

Well that, and it is completely rude to bring a baby to the movies.

ITA!

It seems like when it comes to movies, common courtesy has died. I hate this. I have on more than one occasion gone out and talked to an usher when somebody is being very loud, but I hate that I have to miss part of the movie to do it. I wish they would have the ushers come into the theatres on a regular basis so that they can ask the noisy patrons to be quiet. I think it's stupid that the other guests either have to suck it up and deal with it or miss part of the movie to go get help.

When I was a kid the local movie theater was owned by an older couple and the wife would walk up and down the aisles several times during the movie, to keep people quiet. I don't see why movie theaters can't/won't still do that.

Yep! I tell them to put it away! If they are in a row too far down to say something without pissing everyone off, I shine a laser pointer on their phone.

What a great idea, I love it!


DH and I rarely go to see a movie at the theater. Maybe once or twice a year is all. People are just too rude anymore. Talking out loud, too many kids at movies they shouldn't be at, people talking/texting/messing with their cell phones, people who come late after the movie has already started and getting in the way trying to find seats, not to mention the cost. I'd rather wait, get them from Netflix and watch them in the comfort of our own home.

 

[mamacatnv]

Does anyone have any strategies for getting people to stop doing that? Besides dropping your drink on their phone?

Anytime I find myself subjected to anyof those things, i fetch the manager. I've had quite a few folks ejected from a theatre .

Finally after being subjected to the torture for what felt like forever, a quiet part of the movie came along and I just snapped....I tossed my head back and yelled out "Take...the baby...OUT!!" to which the audience applauded me. The family got up and left.

Yep! I tell them to put it away! If they are in a row too far down to say something without pissing everyone off, I shine a laser pointer on their phone.

I've been known to say something to couples in better restaurants if their child is acting out and disturbing my night

I'm not shy I guess, I will just bust out with "put the phone away" or "take the kid out" at the first lull in the sound of the movie, want to make sure I get heard. I took DD to opening day of Eclipse and there was a lady there with her friend, they both had toddlers. They were letting the toddlers run up and down the aisles (over peoples feet) and then the minute the movie started one started to cry. I said "really? Please take the kid out of here" they took them to the hallway leading into the theater where we could still hear the cryer, so I said very loudly "all the way out, other side of the door". It got quiet, never heard the kids again, so I am assuming they left.

DH and I were discussing this the other day, restaurants are my bigger pet peeve because I frequent them more than the movies. I am to the point that when we walk in the first thing I tell our hostess is "please don't sit us near small children" and if in the beginning of our meal kids are seated near us, I will request a new table regardless. I've had it with screamers, cryers, throwers, whiners, table kickers, wanderers, booth invaders and the parents who ignore them, think it is okay to allow to continue or for some reason think this behavior is acceptable or even cute.

Every weekend DH and I go to the same place for breakfast. The other morning a set of grandparents with their adult daugter and her 2 children (toddler and baby) were seated near us. We were done with our meal and just enjoying a final cup of coffee. DH asked me if I wanted to move and I said "no, I'm good as long as the children are behaved, but at the first scream then I'm asking to be moved" The Grandmother was all offended and her DD rolled her eyes, I don't care. No one has the right to inflict their lack of parenting and their beastly children onto me while I am enjoying a meal out.

I think if theaters, restaurant managers and patrons would start speaking up in mass the problem just might eventually correct itself. I am on a crusade. I didn't inflict my kids on others and I certainly do not expect to have others peoples badly behaved or disruptive kids inflicted onto me.

Yep, I'm intolerant. I am one of those "mean" parents who does not take any crap from my kids and who didn't think their antics were cute. We took them to restaurants when they were capable of behaving and not bothering those around us, same with theaters, etc.

 

[Mouse House Mama]

I'm not shy I guess, I will just bust out with "put the phone away" or "take the kid out" at the first lull in the sound of the movie, want to make sure I get heard. I took DD to opening day of Eclipse and there was a lady there with her friend, they both had toddlers. They were letting the toddlers run up and down the aisles (over peoples feet) and then the minute the movie started one started to cry. I said "really? Please take the kid out of here" they took them to the hallway leading into the theater where we could still hear the cryer, so I said very loudly "all the way out, other side of the door". It got quiet, never heard the kids again, so I am assuming they left.

DH and I were discussing this the other day, restaurants are my bigger pet peeve because I frequent them more than the movies. I am to the point that when we walk in the first thing I tell our hostess is "please don't sit us near small children" and if in the beginning of our meal kids are seated near us, I will request a new table regardless. I've had it with screamers, cryers, throwers, whiners, table kickers, wanderers, booth invaders and the parents who ignore them, think it is okay to allow to continue or for some reason think this behavior is acceptable or even cute.

Every weekend DH and I go to the same place for breakfast. The other morning a set of grandparents with their adult daugter and her 2 children (toddler and baby) were seated near us. We were done with our meal and just enjoying a final cup of coffee. DH asked me if I wanted to move and I said "no, I'm good as long as the children are behaved, but at the first scream then I'm asking to be moved" The Grandmother was all offended and her DD rolled her eyes, I don't care. No one has the right to inflict their lack of parenting and their beastly children onto me while I am enjoying a meal out.
I think if theaters, restaurant managers and patrons would start speaking up in mass the problem just might eventually correct itself. I am on a crusade. I didn't inflict my kids on others and I certainly do not expect to have others peoples badly behaved or disruptive kids inflicted onto me.

Yep, I'm intolerant. I am one of those "mean" parents who does not take any crap from my kids and who didn't think their antics were cute. We took them to restaurants when they were capable of behaving and not bothering those around us, same with theaters, etc.

While I agree that nobody should have to deal with someone infrining on their entertainment/meal I think it is very rude to assume that everyone has beasts for children. I would have rolled my eyes and if my kids heard I would have explained that you were a cranky person etc. See cause I am one of those mean parents also who actually teach my kids to behave. I don't think it is cute either when children are running around or acting rude and the parents are too lazy to do anything about it. So while I get that you have no patience for poorly behaved children, you shouldn't assume that all kids are heathens.

 

[chloelovesdisney]

I haven't read all the replies, but children that age should be home in bed at that time. I have no problem with kids going to movies during the daytime/ early evening. If the parents want a night out they should get a babysitter. Can't afford a sitter? Wait for the dvd.

 

[Faithful_Tink]

I think we are all missing the big picture. Clearly this baby is a movie genius and was crying because the movie was so bad. The parents should have that baby tested for a gifted program.

Completely agree!

 

[mamacatnv]

While I agree that nobody should have to deal with someone infrining on their entertainment/meal I think it is very rude to assume that everyone has beasts for children. I would have rolled my eyes and if my kids heard I would have explained that you were a cranky person etc. See cause I am one of those mean parents also who actually teach my kids to behave. I don't think it is cute either when children are running around or acting rude and the parents are too lazy to do anything about it. So while I get that you have no patience for poorly behaved children, you shouldn't assume that all kids are heathens.

You are absolutely right, I shouldn't, but I do.

 

[MScott1851]

I'm sorry, but I have no illusions that my 10 month old is ready for a movie theater. I don't care how much she's eaten, or if it's naptime, there is no way I would pay $9.50 for a movie ticket and drag her along with me. We can't even make it through a 30 minute sitcom, much less a 2 hour movie. She babbles and laughs and wants to get down and play, and every toy that would entertain her for even 10 minutes makes noise.

It has never even crossed my mind to take her to the movie theater...even a deserted matinee. I wouldn't enjoy the movie because I would constantly be worrying if and when she was going to have an outburst.

 

[pigletgirl]

This is one of my BIGGEST pet peeves EVER!

Seriously, there is NO logical reason to bring an infant/toddler into a movie....

 

[NikiM20]

That happened to me at the Sex in the City 2 movie ...
I sit down, then this lady with a baby who couldn't be more than 3 months old sits next to me....

I immediately moved to another row, no way was I going to chance seating next to a infant who might start fussing in the middle of the movie...

I don't care how much you want to see a movie, there is a reason they have ratings, and if your kid is not 13, and it is not a PG movie, then DON'T BRING THEM!!!! Wait 3 months and watch a DVD or get a sitter, or take turns with your significant other to watch it...

DD is not 13 and I bring her to PG13 movies. As her mother, I feel I have the right to decide what is appropriate for my child to watch.

 

[NHdisneylover]

While I agree that nobody should have to deal with someone infrining on their entertainment/meal I think it is very rude to assume that everyone has beasts for children. I would have rolled my eyes and if my kids heard I would have explained that you were a cranky person etc. See cause I am one of those mean parents also who actually teach my kids to behave. I don't think it is cute either when children are running around or acting rude and the parents are too lazy to do anything about it. So while I get that you have no patience for poorly behaved children, you shouldn't assume that all kids are heathens.

I completely agree with this. As two year olds my kids knew better than to discuss others in voices loud enough to be overheard by them in a restaurant--so I guess they would have been better behaved than mamacatnv!

 

[disykat]

IAnd I don't go for the excuse that you don't have a sitter. If you don't, don't go out, really, how is that my problem?

I agree 100%. Sure, I remember how tough it was. I didn't have family close by either. I even volunteer to babysit for young parents sometimes because I'm sympathetic to that. But one thing I don't want to do is pay for a movie and relive those screaming baby days.

I'm sorry, but I have no illusions that my 10 month old is ready for a movie theater. I don't care how much she's eaten, or if it's naptime, there is no way I would pay $9.50 for a movie ticket and drag her along with me. We can't even make it through a 30 minute sitcom, much less a 2 hour movie. She babbles and laughs and wants to get down and play, and every toy that would entertain her for even 10 minutes makes noise.

It has never even crossed my mind to take her to the movie theater...even a deserted matinee. I wouldn't enjoy the movie because I would constantly be worrying if and when she was going to have an outburst.

I agree. I never could have predicted my kid's behavior enough to count on them behaving appropriately. I'm too cheap to pay for a moive I might not end up seeing. My oldest went to his first movie (and it was a Disney kid's movie) when he had just turned 4. I remember it well, because we specifically went while we were on vacation visiting my parents so my 1 year old could stay with them.

 

[whatcateydid]

I work at a movie theater (typical summer, home from college job and all).

Don't be shy, get an usher or a manager! We live for kicking people out, it's about as exciting as our days can get!

Cinemas must be more happy to kick people out in the US than they are in the UK. My boyfriend works at a cinema (we're at uni as well) and a couple of weeks ago someone got kicked out of a screen for the first time in the nearly two years that he's been working there, and that was for, erm...spending some private time together during the film!

 

[Mouse House Mama]

This is one of my BIGGEST pet peeves EVER!

Seriously, there is NO logical reason to bring an infant/toddler into a movie....

I don't understand how a quiet child has any impact on you at all? There are many logical reasons to bring young children to the movies. From your signature it looks like you don't have kids yet. When/if you do I am willing to bet that you will understand that as well.

 

[jrmasm]

I don't understand how a quiet child has any impact on you at all? There are many logical reasons to bring young children to the movies. From your signature it looks like you don't have kids yet. When/if you do I am willing to bet that you will understand that as well.

I have kids and never took them to the movies when they were babies. Why on earth would I pay for a ticket and risk having to leave? Since you have children, you know they are frequently unpredictable and that their behavior changes from week to week particularly when they're very young.

 

[Heidict]

I don't understand how a quiet child has any impact on you at all? There are many logical reasons to bring young children to the movies. From your signature it looks like you don't have kids yet. When/if you do I am willing to bet that you will understand that as well.

What logical reason would there be for taking an infant or toddler to the movies? I never took my DD until she turned 4. At that time she was mature enough to understand that you don't talk during the movie, that you don't scream, that you don't kick the seat in front of you, etc.

 

[wendy46001]

I don't understand how a quiet child has any impact on you at all? There are many logical reasons to bring young children to the movies. From your signature it looks like you don't have kids yet. When/if you do I am willing to bet that you will understand that as well.

As i dont have kids i'm miffed at why? what logical reason would there be?

and I have also come to the conclusion that what a parent considers a quite child is totally different than a non parent

yes kids make noise, esp infants toddlers. i expect that at kids movies but if its a late movie (rated PG-13 or above) i dont want to hear any babbling, crying or a parent trying to shush a toddler

the time it takes mom/dad to exit the isle walk down the stairs and out the theater does interrupt the movie, while I’m grateful they are doing something…it’s still an interruption

and dont get me started on the lovely parent this weekend who thought it was perfectly acceptable to stand at the back of the theater with her screaming child…All the way out people …we can still here your kid

 

[Mouse House Mama]

What logical reason would there be for taking an infant or toddler to the movies? I never took my DD until she turned 4. At that time she was mature enough to understand that you don't talk during the movie, that you don't scream, that you don't kick the seat in front of you, etc.

Well since I have 5 kids I am not going to never take them anywhere because they have younger siblings. My kids have gone to the movies since they were infants. They have never screamed or kicked anyone's seat. They sit quietly and watch the movie. If we have an infant they are nursing so they just nurse to sleep and no noise there. We all just went and saw TS3 last week. Everyone sat just fine. Of course, if my kids were not capable of that we would split up and one parent would stay home with the child who we knew wouldn't sit and the other would take the kids to the movies. We have done that when we knew it was a movie some of the kids wouldn't be interested in. I personally would never sit in a movie with a loud kid. How would that even be enjoyable to me? Maybe I have been lucky that my kids sit? I don't know but to me there is no logical reason not to take them if they enjoy it and can behave appropriately. The movies are a big treat in our house because they are so expensive. Maybe that is why they sit nice since they don't get to go all the time?
We are very aware of others and don't want to ever infringe on people. In the same token I have been places with my own children and had to endure hellion behavior from other people's children and I do find that annoying. I think we can agree that parents need to be aware of their children and teach them to behave or realize that their child is not ready for whatever event if they cannot get it together.

 

[DizBelle]

Just to give me some sense of normalcy after giving birth to my daughters, I would often take them in their car seat to an afternoon movie. They would sleep through the whole movie. I made sure I fed them first.
It was really nice for me to get out of the house and do something I enjoyed-since I didn't have anyone to watch them. I REALLY needed that time. It made me feel like I could breathe, relax, and still enjoy "me" time.

Of course, this might be comparing apples to oranges since I didn't see a 10pm show, and they were never fussy.

I guess your "me time" is more important than everybody else's time?

 

[DizBelle]

While I agree that nobody should have to deal with someone infrining on their entertainment/meal I think it is very rude to assume that everyone has beasts for children. I would have rolled my eyes and if my kids heard I would have explained that you were a cranky person etc. See cause I am one of those mean parents also who actually teach my kids to behave. I don't think it is cute either when children are running around or acting rude and the parents are too lazy to do anything about it. So while I get that you have no patience for poorly behaved children, you shouldn't assume that all kids are heathens.

I think that the fact that she didn't request to be moved means that she did NOT assume that the kids were going to be poorly behaved.

It's really, really hard to NOT think kids will be beastly when 99 out 100 kids you enounter every day do behave poorly and the parents do nothing.

 

[Northstar]

Just to give me some sense of normalcy after giving birth to my daughters, I would often take them in their car seat to an afternoon movie. They would sleep through the whole movie. I made sure I fed them first.
It was really nice for me to get out of the house and do something I enjoyed-since I didn't have anyone to watch them. I REALLY needed that time. It made me feel like I could breathe, relax, and still enjoy "me" time.

Of course, this might be comparing apples to oranges since I didn't see a 10pm show, and they were never fussy.

Our local multiplex (locations in various places in Canada) has special showings for moms/caregivers with babies. I do so respect them for keeping this going, as it's not a huge money maker:

(Quote from their web page)
Empire Reel Babies

If you are looking for a new spot for playgroup, to meet other new families in the neighbourhood, or just looking for an excuse to shamelessly show off your new bundle, Empire Reel Babies is the perfect outing for big people and little show stoppers. It's new release 'grown-up' movies for you, modified volumes, adjusted lighting and everything else Baby needs!

We are pleased to provide amenities like:

* Microwaves
* Bottle Warmers
* Change Tables
* Baby Playmats
* Exersaucers

In the Empire Reel Babies family, everyone gets a voice in the movie you will watch! You'll receive emails with the movie choices of each play date. Votes are cast by simply responding to the email. Once the votes are in, we will post the chosen movie title, time and place on our playdates page.
(end quote)

Of course, that doesn't stop people from taking their kids to other showings and bothering other people, but it's great because it takes into account the needs of the moms/caregivers, the needs of the babies, and the needs of other patrons to separate those baby-toting mamas into a theatre of their own!