Going to the movies "alone"?

[fairejour]

Oh wise mommas, let me know what you think of this idea :)

We are thinking about going to the movies with our DD, who is 8 and her friend (9) and having the girls see a kid's movie and Mom and Dad see a grown up movie in the next theater over. I would sit with the girls until the movie begins and our movie ends first. They have been to the theater before, they follow direction well, and know about strangers and safety rules. We have explained where we would be and that if they need us, that they can come and get us. (We even have an extra cell phone we could leave with them.)

What do you think? Do you see any pitfalls I haven't thought of?

[Linda on the move]

Depending on the kids and the movies theatre, I think it's a great idea. I would take them to the bathroom right before the movie, not buy them drinks, and figure out a plan just in case they need to pee.

I hope you all have a good time!

[colsxjack]

I don't see anything worng with it.

You said they follow directions well. It is a kids movie. And as long as they would not go anywhere with anyone there isn;t a problem.

8 and 9 is definatly old enough for some independence and fun without parents attached to them.

But, you know your own child best. Are the children comfortable with the situation?

[fairejour]

The kiddos are excited about it and the other mom gave us the green-light. They are very good girls and are very unlikely to make trouble for themselves.

[Peony]

I'd be fine with my 9 year doing that as well. I think you have an excellent plan laid out! Have fun. 

[beanma]

Oh sure. I'd do that as long as your movie gets out first. If you don't mind too much it might be a good idea if you and your DH sit in the back of your theater. Actually I would have your DH get seats and then take the girls in there and show them where he's sitting and then take them back to their theater and set them free to find their own seats. I'd be fine with getting them snacks and them going to the bathroom, too, as long as they go together. 

Now, my dd1 (10) would never go for it in a million years, but I would!! I think my dd2 (8) would, too. 

Sounds like a great idea. Have fun!

[Super~Single~Mama]

I say go for it. Also have a place to meet designated in case their movie gets out first (you said yours gets out first, I would be prepared for the opposite just in case). For example, a bench, or area in a food court, where they are to wait for you if they can't find you.

Definitely send the cell phone with them, just in case they need it.

Have fun at the movies!!!

[fairejour]

They did great! We explained everything, showed them where we were sitting, went over expectations and the buddy system. I stayed with them until their movie started, and ran in and checked on them twice during the movie. They were fine. Their movie ended up getting out first, but they totally followed our directions (if we are not sitting in the designated spot waiting for them, come into our theater) and everthing went well!

I love slowly letting my DD gain her independence! I feel like the world thinks our kids have to be confined and handcuffed to us until they are teens. But how will she develop the skills she needs if she doesn't get the chance to practice obe step at a time?

[wdqwd]

Seriously? They are 8 and 9 years old, you really do not need to make a big deal of them sitting in a movie theater by themselves, what are the gonna do? Laugh too loudly at the screen? I mean seriously, come on!!!

[Cyllya]

Originally Posted by wdqwd 

Seriously? They are 8 and 9 years old, you really do not need to make a big deal of them sitting in a movie theater by themselves, what are the gonna do? Laugh too loudly at the screen? I mean seriously, come on!!!

Heh, while I can sympathize with this perspective... I can't blame a parent for being hesitant, especially when someone else's kid is also involved. Remember in most areas it's pretty frowned upon to leave your kid under age 12 at home alone long enough to watch a movie. I think one or two states even have a law to that effect. It seems like these days you can't just think "What's good for my kid?"; you also have to think, "What's not going to get CPS involved in our lives?"

And, actually, I think there are some 8- and 9-year-olds who would misbehave in a movie theater if they didn't have a parent to keep them in line. Running around playing tag in isle, talking over the movie, etc.