Minki’s first movie outing was a…
DISASTER!
She loved getting the popcorn and her slushie, but was freaking out when the lights went off in the cinema. A Simple fact I’ve totally overlooked… By the time the trailers were (finally) finished, her popcorn was also finished and she wanted more Smarties.
When the movie eventually started she was sitting on Daddy’s lap (afraid of the dark) and screaming for more Smarties. #notfun
Taking your toddler to the movies for the first time can be a treat or… a total disaster.
Here’s some tips I wish I knew beforehand…
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1. Choose the right movie
Obviously you want something kid friendly and animation usually fits the bill. I will make this easy for you because this month The Queen’s Corgi is launching in cinemas nationwide. The perfect choice for a first movie outing.
What’s it about?
Since his arrival at Buckingham palace, Rex lives a life of luxury. Top dog, he has superseded his three fellow Corgis in Her Majesty’s heart. His arrogance can be quite irritating. When he causes a diplomatic incident during an official dinner with the President of the United States, he falls into disgrace. Betrayed by one of his peers, Rex becomes a stray dog in the streets of London. How can he redeem himself? In love, he will find the resources to surpass himself in the face of great danger… or just watch the preview!
Download your free colouring sheet right here!
2. Is your tod really ready?
The right age is something experts are still debating. Some say 3 others say 4… You know your kid so you will know when the time is right. The Queen’s Corgi age restriction is 7-9 PG.
Ps: Keep in mind that some kids are more sensitive to loud noises and afraid of the dark!
3. Skip the ads and trailers
Before kids you use to love the trailers, but keep in mind that trailers can be extra loud, exhausting and nerve wracking for little eyes and ears.
4. Timing is everything
Like with everything else, plan your movie date. Do not take a hungry or tired toddler on their first movie date.
It will be a disaster.
5. Go with the flow
Like most aspects of your life – everything changes when you have kids. Normally you would see the preview or love the actor, buy the tickets and get some popcorn on your way in. Sit back and enjoy the movie. Again that was BEFORE KIDS (BK).
Hang onto this: You won’t be the first parent leaving the theater with a screaming, crying or overwhelmed kid.
The Queen’s Corgi releases on 18 April 2019 in cinemas nationwide.
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PrettyBelle teamed up with Empire Entertainment and we are giving one lucky Mama and her toddler double tickets to see The Queen’s Corgi + a fabulous gift bag.
ENTER:
1. Like/Follow PrettyBelle on Facebook and/or Instagram
2. Tag a friend (or two) who loves going the movies
T’s and C’s apply
Winner is selected at random via random.org
Prize cannot be sold or redeemed for cash.
The competition is in no way affiliated to Facebook or Instagram
Winner will be announced on 19 April 2019
Good luck!
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Have you entered our Volpes Giveaway???
You can WIN a R1000 voucher! Click to enter!
Until next time…
Helene & Minki
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It was a total treat, we went to watch wonderpark. The kids were so well behaved and excited even at home they are glued to the screens what they loved more was the big screen and now once a month we go for a movie
That sounds great Theofista! Holding thumbs for you and thanks for entering! Xxx
Our first movie was a 3D Movie. It was Ferdenat. It was a treat. Our little girl loved it
Aaaw so sweet! Did she even wear the 3D glasses? What a trooper! Holding thumbs for you Alesia! Xxx
First experience was with my two toddlers, we watched the Lego Movie 2.. Absolute treat! The boys loved it.. Didn’t move from their seats! My youngest had the most fun as he was laughing through put the movie.. My sons love the loud noise and big screens..
That’s amazing! Just goes to show – all kids are different and will react differently! Holding thumbs for you Theshnee! Xxx
Oh gosh it was a disaster, we left halfway through the movie. My son was 3 & we hadn’t been to the movies in forever – we thought he was ready but he clearly wasn’t. Just couldn’t get him to sit in his seat, people shooshing us.
Was such a mission to keep his 3d glasses on – what I don’t understand is why most kids movies are released in 3d, it’s such a mission for them to keep those glasses on.
Anyway I guess practice makes perfect.
Oh I feel your pain Nirvana! Our first trip with our 3 year old was also a disaster! Afraid of the dark, loud noises, no fun! And I also hate the 3D glasses – watching a movie with these glasses makes me nauseous so imagine the little ones! Ha ha! Thanks for entering, maybe we will have better luck next time! 🙂
My first trip was 50/50. My then 2 year who is now 4 couldn’t sit still🙈 but my eldest daughter who was 4 then really enjoyed herself
It’s all about the right time… I guess! 🙂 Thank you for entering Janel! Holding thumbs for you! Xxx
It was a absolute treat,we took her to go watch How to train your Dragon 3.Daniella being just a year old loved it.she was snacking on popcorn and cooldrink but 45 minutes into the movie,she fell asleep.she slept through the rest of the movie
It was the best treat for my kids as going to the movies they think is the best treat they can get
Aaaw so sweet! How old were they with your first outing to the movies? Our first trip was a bit of disaster! Thanks for entering Abeda and good luck! Xxx
Have not taken my daughter yet to the movies. Will love to make this one the first 🙂
Hopefully it will be a treat and not a disaster! Haha! Thanks for entering Juanri! Xxx
Haven’t attempted it – she’s 3 & I’m still petrified 😂
Haha! I’m not going to lie – Minki just turned 3 and our first movie was a disaster.. but you never know! 🙂 Thanks for entering Teresa and good luck!
We haven’t had any as yet but would love to take my little one to Dumbo once it has been released.
It’s definitely a childhood favorite
Yes, Dumbo is such a classic! 🙂 Hopefully your little one will love the movies! Thanks for entering and good luck Izelle! Xxx
We watched 50/50 and had a blast
Sounds like so much fun Thea! 🙂 Have a fabulous day and thanks for entering! Good luck! Xxx
It was an absolute treat.
Lucky you! 🙂 Thanks for entering Mala!
It was an absolute treat. I may have been more excited than the kiddies.
Haha sounds like you had a lot of fun! 🙂 Thanks for entering Carolyn and good luck! Xxx
it was a treat! super excited 5 year old ,
Yay! You are so lucky! But I guess at 5 years old they are more ready for the experience than a 3 year old! Thanks for entering Angelique and good luck! Xxx
Was a treat they loved every bit especially their own little popcorn combos
Aaa who doesn’t love the popcorn combo! 🙂 Thanks for entering Nicole and good luck! Xxx
Definitely a treat, my son was 5 when I took him to watch a movie, he loved the big screen and to sit with his kiddies combo. I would never forget how excited he was to be there.
We took our twin girls to the movies last year after their 3rd birthday. They loveeeeed it. The big screen and comfy chairs had them glued to the screen.
It was an absolute treat.Daniella now 18 months old loved every minute of it and was snacking on the popcorn and cool drink.
It was a treat, the kids loved it and was so well behaved
My movie experience with my toddler was a diseaster she got restless sitting so long ;started screaming and crying for no reason ;started throwing popcorn all over ;messed her clothes with chocolate; we only got too watch half the movie lol ;but now she seems too undastand and is much calmer.
My experience with the kids the first time was a treat. We even did it again because i was not stressed at all since they behaved with minimal supervision
Was a totally awesome and had an amazing time with my daughter. Enjoyed the snacks and treats.
Took my two year old daughter to see zootropolis on a family holiday I’m durban. At first it was a treat – but she got bored in the last 30 minutes. That was a long half hour!
It was a absolute treat Evelyn at the age of 3 was captivated by the big screen and she got to have popcorn and a juice. A memorable first movie experience. She was all smiles and so happy.