Preschool Behavior: Handling Movie Drama
In the situation of taking a young child to a movie, make sure that the film is age-appropriate for the child. At the age of four, a G-rated movie is the only option. If the stimulation of a movie is upsetting your child, it is important to speak with him to figure out what is making him uncomfortable. Allow him to explain what he is personally experiencing and feeling while watching the movie, and remember to validate it. If you are unable to put him at ease or calm him down, then perhaps it might be a wise idea to remove him from the theater.
As parents we need to be mindful of our children's needs and respond appropriately (even if it means giving up something that we enjoy or find pleasure in by leaving the movie).