My kids got emotional at "Lilo & Stitch" last weekend. There were tears and there was laughter. But most importantly, they paid attention for the one hour 48 minute movie, and that in itself felt like a win. It was the first time all four of us went to a theater together.
Movies are a challenge to kids. The room is dark and there's a giant screen accompanied by loud speakers. It can be intimidating. They also need to sit still for close to two hours. Complicating matters is how it seems like short, digestible content has become their comfort zone.
At our house it took a while for our kids to get into movies. Often it was because we were just OK with them putting on "Bluey" and watching those eight-minute episodes over and over again rather than "pushing" them to watch a feature-length film.
Then, we just ... had it. Movies are such a big part of our lives that we decided that our kids had to watch them. And you know what? They were fine. So when the time came to take them to a theater, there was no resistance — and they truly enjoyed what we saw. Forcing kids to watch movies may sound like a low-stakes activity, but it's actually been tough for us.
This now opens up so many opportunities, especially in a summer that's shaping up to be blockbuster after blockbuster. Bring it on! The Cooper family is ready!