A woman has initiated a significant conversation among parents and film enthusiasts regarding the appropriateness of bringing very young children to movies not specifically aimed at them. She recently shared her thoughts on Threads, recalling an experience at a 5:00 PM screening of a *Star Wars* film, which ran until approximately 7:30 PM—a lengthy duration for a young child. The father seated behind her had brought his roughly three-year-old son, who struggled to remain engaged and lost interest after about half an hour.
In her insightful post, she expressed understanding towards the father, suggesting he may have been eager to share his love for *Star Wars* with his son. Yet, she also raised critical questions, urging parents to contemplate whether such decisions are fair to both their child and other viewers. “Not only is it not kind to other moviegoers, it’s not fair to the child,” she stated. “He’s bored, he’s frustrated that he can’t entertain himself and enjoy himself, and he’s probably heard ‘no’ and ‘stop’ a hundred times during the remainder of the film.”
Her commentary underscores a genuine challenge for many parents: reconciling their own interests with age-appropriate choices for their children. “Understanding what is age-appropriate for your child will help them succeed—I’m not just talking about the content of the movie, but also the length of time you expect a tiny child to sit still and be quiet,” she elaborated.
The post elicited a range of responses on Threads. Some users felt that the timing was reasonable for a children’s outing, with one affirming, “A 5 PM movie time is a pretty acceptable one to bring kids to.” Others recounted their own experiences, noting they opted to wait until their children were older—typically around four or five—before taking them to the theater. One user highlighted a local venue that features a play space where kids can expend energy before the movie, enhancing the experience for all.
Conversely, some commenters supported the original poster’s view. “He should have taken the L and left,” one remarked. Another mother added, “My kids are 7 and still haven’t been to a theater because I know they can’t sit through a whole movie.” This prompted the original poster to extend her appreciation: “Thank you for knowing their limits! Taking them to a theater before they are ready is just setting them up to fail.”
The central theme of this discussion emphasizes empathy—both for one’s child and for fellow moviegoers. When parents consider the developmental needs of their children in their decisions, they foster not only their kids’ success but also a more enjoyable environment for everyone. It’s all about striking the right balance so that outings remain fun for both parents and kids without unnecessary stress or disappointment.
Ultimately, this dialogue invites us to reflect on our expectations and the unique obstacles encountered by parents and children alike. It serves as a gentle reminder: sometimes, bonding over shared interests is best achieved not by forcing it but by waiting until the children are genuinely ready to engage.
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