How do you make a 3 year old behave in the movie theatre?

Answer 1

3 is a tough age for the movies. I assume you are talking about kid's movies? (It always cracks me up when I see someone bringing their 3 year old in to see Star Wars or Mission Impossible. Oh yeah, this kid's gonna love this movie!)

Anyway, have snacks ready to go. Toy's are not such a great idea because they are just going to get dropped and bounce 4 rows away and the laser pen lights just seem to annoy the other moviegoers (*grin*).

Honestly, most of my kids were not really ready for the movie theater until 4. But as some suggested, start with the cheap movies, that way if it's not going well, you can always cut and run and keep your losses to a minimum.

I'm amazed that someone said Duct Tape!... 'fraid I haven't tried that one.

Answer 2

i have a 3 year old too, and i tried the discount movies first just in case he didnt behave, but i also took another child with me who was 5 and i knew he knew how to behave and my son did as the older boy did,and sat watched the movie and ate lots of popcorn. Just make sure he has plenty of popcorn and then maybe another treat as well. Bringing another kid that already knows how to act at the movies was the whole trick though

Answer 3

Most three-year-olds don't have the attention span required to sit for an hour and a half (or longer) quietly during a movie, even a movie that's geared for kids.

Best bet would be a babysitter until the child is older.

Answer 4

I waited until my daughter was 4 before attempting a movie outing.

I have to say I was really impressed with her when it was all said and done though. Granted I would never take her to a non-cartoon movie, that's just a setup for disaster, not to mention it drove me nuts when I seen a women bring her 3 children into see Hostel. I'm sure her kids LOVED that movie.

Answer 5

the only good answer here is dvd, i'm sorry hon but even my own very well behaved child would not sit through a movie at that age. younger and older, yes. three to four, not so much. the best solution is to rent the movie (you could even watch ADULT rated movies once the child is in bed!)

Answer 6

Don't take them to the movies if they don't know how to behave. Wait until they are a little older and able to sit still for longer periods of time.

Answer 7

You train them at home first by having them sit still while watching a movie at home. The movie theatre is not the time to train them, home is.

Answer 8

How many of yu that answered this question before me have kids? none go to a late moive with them, they will go to sleep. my 3 yr old went to CARS over the weekend, late show only thing not sold out, was a sleep in 25 mins. I enjoyed the movie and he can see it when it comes out on DVD

Answer 9

scare them by telling them that if they dont behave, the security guards will take them away and go to jail. Or just use anyone that's scary looking. For an example like an old man or someone whose mean looking. It sure works for me, hope it'll work for u!!!

Answer 10

tell them the night before that your going as they may just be anxious of whats happening... if its a children's movie with a book read it to them before hand and kill it to death as they'll appreciate it more as they'll wait for their favourite bit to happen. If you can't afford to buy something at the cinema make up a little fun snack pack at home and get them involved putting it together... then when they get there they'll be more interested in when they can eat it to be annoying. Good luck with whatever idea you try!