Young children in the movie theater?

Question

I recently saw Children of Men and again, there is a woman with an infant and two other children clearly under 10. I have two children myself and never brought my kids to the movies until they were old enough to sit still (over 4). Of course at some point her baby started crying and that movie was NOT appropriate for the other children. Why does theatre management allow that? Is anyone else as frustrated by her neglegence and selfishness? If so, have you ever taken action (spoke to the patron or management or asked for a refund, etc.?). If you work in a theater I'd like your two cents as well. Thanks!

Answer 1

I live in the UK where the rating system is very differen to the US. We have the usual U, PG and 12A (which is just like the PG13) ratings but instead of a R rating, we have 15 and 18 rated films. This means that children under 15 cannot be admitted to films that are rated 15 and children under 18 cannot be admitted to films that are rated 18.

It's the best thing because I know there would be too many lazy, idiotic parents who would be dragging their toddlers off to films that are inappropriate for small children, either because of violent/sexual themes or simply because the film is too long/complicated to keep a small child occupied. There is nothing I loathe more than selfish parents who allow their children to run riot in the cinema. It isn't the child's fault but the parents for either not checking to see if the film is suitable for their child or taking the child out when they are bored.

I have seen people complain about out-of-control children in the cinema but, these days, you do have to be careful that the parents don't turn around and assault you for daring to speak up because folk who usually allow their children to do as they please are often mannerless yobs who won't balk at using their fists.

Many cinemas these days offer a Mum and Baby screening for mothers and their small babies (infants under a year because those older are often aware of the film content) to see films without worrying if their child's crying will bother other people. Also, hiring a babysitter for the night is surely a better option than subjecting other folk to your kid's bad behaviour.

Answer 2

If you can figure out who the parents are and don't mind the possibility a minor confrontation, the next time anyone is disrupting your experience, feel free to find an usher and let him or her know what's going on. The staff realize that the happiness of many customers is more important than a self important parent that won't find a babysitter and will most likely assist in having the parent get the children under control or have them removed. I went to see spider man 3 recently and this dumb woman wouldn't stop blathering on for about 20 minutes. I got fed up, got an usher, her boyfriend started to make a scene, security escorted them out. It was more entertaining than the movie. It's one thing to laugh, or ooh and ahh, or whatever directly relating to the movie. It's another entirely to not shut up about some irrelevant topic loud enough for everyone within 3 rows in any direction to hear you. Same thing goes for other peoples brats when they're not mature enough or intelligent enough to figure out a baby sitter has a purpose.

Answer 3

I recently saw that movie - and LOVED it - but it was clearly inappropriate for young children.

Content aside, I'd also be worried about the dangerously high noise levels. When I take my kids (9, 7, and 5) to shows, they wear foam earplugs because I'd rather they don't get an early start on hearing damage.

As for saying something, well, then you are put into the position of casting judgement. She probably felt perfectly justified being there - and we can't imagine what thought process led her to that point.

I think speaking to managment about a crying child DURING the movie might be appropriate, though. If you wait to the end to ask for a refund, you might be out of luck.

Answer 4

Like you said, it's selfishness. Children don't need to be subjected to adult movies at such a tender age, but some people just don't care. It's a shame. Unfortunately alot of people have taken on the "it's all about me" attitude today. I would have went and gotten a refund and then wrote to the company so that maybe they would become a little more strict when it comes to these types of situations.
As far as kid movies, if you go expect there to be noise and crying and carrying on...if there isn't you're lucky. We usually just wait until the movie comes out on dvd, and watch it at home.

Answer 5

OMG. This IRKS me to no end! Right up there with those cell-phone addicts.

I purposely go to later shows - after 9pm in general when children should be in bed, or getting ready for bed - and you would not believe how many small children - like under the age of six - come out!

I have acted on it when it gets out of hand. One woman actually told me to go see a different movie if I didn't like her child climbing all over me. (Are you kidding me???) Needless to say, THOSE tickets were refunded - along with a gift certificate for another freebie. (Because the selfish broad actually repeated that to the manager.)

One thing I think is great, and I wish more theaters would do it - is early screenings for ONLY small children and their parents. If your kid is over 8 years old, you can't come in. The tickets are discounted as are the treats.

Answer 6

That is so annoying! When the last Star Wars came out, my husband and I (he's a big Star Wars nerd) went to the first showing of the day. Some dumb lady took her infant (about 5 months old). The baby was making all sorts of noises then started crying. Hello!!!! Especially huge movies like that that people can't wait to see. Some people are so ignorant. It's called a babysitter!

Answer 7

I agree with you 100% on this. I have three children that range from the age of 8-14 myself and I would not take them to a movie that is adult rated. If I watch it and think that it is something my children could watch I will rent it for them. Me and my husband went to see Saw 3 and I could not believe that this lady drags 2 kids in to the theater that were no older then 5. I did get up and ask a member of the theater to have her move because they were talking..which he did. This drives is crazy!

Answer 8

I agree completely. I never took my children to the movies until they were about 4 and I knew they understood the importance of remaining quiet. I didn't ever take them to a movie that was not appropriate for their age. If you can afford to go to the movies, you can find a babysitter. End of discussion. Anything else is selfish and ridiculous. My husband and I always cringe when we see people coming in with young children and infants. I mean, what the heck are they thinking? Oh yeah, maybe they're not.

Answer 9

I don't agree with that. I took my oldest to see her first movie a few months ago. She will be 3 in April. The movie we went to see was Barnyard. I can understand an age-appropriate movie but it's pretty stupid to take a child to see something R rated...lol. My daughter and I also left when she started getting tired. I'm not going to deny myself the right to take my children to see a movie. At the same time, I'm not going to ruin someone else's day out. This was the first time I went to the movies in years. I have never really experienced rudeness like you have though.

Answer 10

Young children don't bother me in the theaters, b/c as a mom, I can tune them out, it's the annoying teenagers that drive me nuts! They talk through the whole thing and the girls are always sooo fake screaming at parts to get a cuddle out of their guy. I do agree though that parents shouldn't take their kids to a movie not suited for them, but now days, kids watch everything, I just recently found out my 9 yr olds sneak up late at night to watch scary movies on tv.