Make it Movie Day
It’s so hot outside. Like burn your legs on the car seat hot. So this week, spend some time inside, and go to the movies without leaving your home!
First, gather your family and agree on a few movies to watch. Depending on how opinionated your family members are, this may take a while. Once the films have been selected, you can create your own “Now Playing” sign – decorate it however you’d like, and hang it up at the “entrance” to your theater. You can even print your own tickets! Here are some pre-made ones, though you can also design your own.
Next, turn your kitchen into a concession stand. What drinks will you have? What foods will be available? You can create a menu and let your kiddos “sell” you your movie snacks – or vice versa. If popcorn is your thing, you can even make your own popcorn bar with little bowls of different candies that each person can add to their popcorn. Adding candy to popcorn isn’t for everyone, so decide for yourself on that one ;-)
When you’re ready to begin the movie, turn down the lights, get cozy, and – wait! What about the previews?! If you’re going for the full movie-going experience, check out Fandango’s Movieclips channel on YouTube and select a handful of trailers to watch. There are playlists sorted by genre and date, and you could absolutely spend the entire day just watching trailers if that’s your family’s thing.
You’ll probably be ready to start the main attraction at some point; when you do, revel in being able to talk during the movie without being shushed (well, without being shushed by strangers) and take a bathroom break whenever you need one, without missing anything (well, unless the person in charge of the remote control refuses to pause it for you).
When you watch movies together as a family – what scientists call “co-viewing” – you build memories, deepen relationships, and create the opportunity to help your kids learn from both the positive AND negative themes in movies. The conversations you have around the movies you watch together can help your kids learn about friendship, empathy, and helping others, but they can also help you unpack topics like how to deal with bullies and how to handle conflicts without resorting to the violence you may have seen on the screen. You’ll also open the door for your kids to talk to you about the things they’re watching without you, which is a definite win.
What is your family watching? Share with us on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram!
