Yesterday Mike and I took Annabel to her first movie in a theatre. Mike wasn’t able to go when I took Madeline to her first movie, so we were sure to schedule this outing when we knew he could come. Monday Mom Movies are the BEST. They’re movies adults want to see, which is nice since 95% of the time our TV is on we’re watching something for Annie.
This week’s movie was the final Harry Potter movie. As we pulled off of our street, Mike said to me, “so, what do I need to know about what’s happened so far?” He was serious, as if I could explain six and a half books to him in eight minutes. I tried, but Mike kept getting the characters confused. Like Dumbledore and Voldemort and Severus Snape are so hard to follow. Sheesh.
I wasn’t sure how Annie would do in the theatre. I wasn’t worried about the noise or the darkness – the theatre keeps the lights dim and the sound isn’t nearly as loud as usual. I WAS worried about her attention span. More specifically, how easily she is distracted by other children. And we were going to be in a theatre full of BABIES. As predicted, she exclaimed “Baby! BABY!” almost non-stop, just like her sister did at her first movie.
We timed it so we arrived just moments before the movie started. Annie climbed into Mike’s lap…and pulled her blanket over her head.
But after that, she was mostly into it.
And she certainly had no problem making herself comfortable.
The movie is about two hours long, so it definitely tested Annie’s patience. Frankly, my attention span is tested at that length, so I couldn’t blame her. Lucky for me, Mike didn’t mind walking around with her – he knew I really wanted to see the movie – so he joined the parade of parents at the bottom of the theatre walking their kids around. I felt bad for the two guys that had no idea they’d bought tickets to the kids’ show – they walked out after Annie yelled BAYYYYYBEEEEEEEEE for the hundredth time in five minutes (they got their money back).
After the movie we ran around in the sunlight and practiced our flying:
When I was young, my brother and I would come home from the movies and re-enact the scenes we’d just watched. I can’t wait until Annie is old enough to let her imagination run wild with mine.
Tina says:
The idea that you can go to the movies with your kid is great but the movie is rated PG-13. We watched it (sans kids) and it was pretty scary. I got a sitter for my almost 6 year olds (although they begged to see it – they have only been allowed to watch the very first one which is pretty sweet and innocent). I am surprised the theater allowed you to bring in babies or young kids to such a violent movie.
Suzanne says:
She looks like she had a great time at the movie. What can be more comfy than a dark movie theater snuggled up with your parents?
GetsTheWorm says:
If she was 6, 7, 8, maybe this would be an issue, because she might actually follow the story a bit – but she’s just a tiny little tyke. I doubt she had any idea what was happening onscreen.
Kate says:
Oooh yes, Harry Potter is so violent. Ever since the new movie premiered I havent stopped hearing about kids running ferral in the streets and using spells on people. Noone moves anymore because of the very convenient ‘accio’ spell. Yesterday there was a case that this 18 month old got drunk on butterbear. Harry Potter causes witchcraft (aka satanism) obesity and alcoholism.
This is just like the time I let my 16 month old watch me play gta4 and now I have to lock her in the house or else she breaks out, steals peoples cars, has sex with hookers only to kill them and steal their money.
I would strongly reccomend that from the positive pregnancy test you stop having a life outside of your padded walls and only watch elmo. Apart from the katy perry episode. Because exposure to cleavage turns your children into sex pests and rapists.
Darcie says:
Kate’s number one fan…RIGHT HERE!
Well said!
Laurie says:
Wow, judgey, judgers. Y’all seriously make me laugh. I have a 19 and a 22 year old and I am here to tell you that any movie they saw at 1 and a half has had NO affect on their lives. Spending the day with Mom and Dad would have far outweighed any everlasting brain damage from a Harry Potter movie.
I fully believe that judgement comes from insecurity. Good luck with that.
Darcie says:
AGREED! Isn’t it funny what people get in a huff about?
Annie says:
Make me Kate’s #2 fan right behind Darcie!!! My 9 year old’s first favorite movie was “Jackie Brown” by Quentin Tarantino. This was when he was less than 3 years old. He also loved Lucio Fulci’s “House by the Cemetery”. Yes, I know, turn me in to DHS and he will probably grow up to be a serial killer…
Actually he is a very gifted 9 year old now. He is creative and polite, and has a conscience like I have never seen in a child his age. Just bc a child watches a violent movie doesn’t mean they are going to be violent and disturbed. And just bc they DON’T watch violent movies doesn’t mean they won’t. We make choices that we feel are right for our children. And we have to live with the decisions we make. We should all raise our own children and stop worrying about how everyone else is raising theirs.
Samantha says:
so funny I have to agree I’m so sick of hearing how “bad” HP is because it teaches kids “bad things” just like wrestling and boxing. I say if you teach you kid how this stuff is FAKE and NOT REAL, if they are at an age where they will understand. If they are younger, they don’t know the difference!
Samantha says:
Whoops, it’s supposed to be “I say you teach your kid” not “I say if you teach you kid” lol
Marsha says:
WOOOOOT I totally agree with you Kate. I am astonished at the totally mean and ignorant comments being made on here about a movie…. for gosh sakes…if all you have to worry about is Annie going to a movie she A)didnt watch and cannot follow the story line than wow you are total awesome sauce to have such a worry free life….GET OVER IT PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!! Mind your business and make sure your glass house is clean before you throw stones at someone else!!!!!!!! Annie is a dollbaby and I love you guys! Keep up the good work Heather and Mike!!!!
Jenn says:
We have that up here as well although I think our last movie was “Something Borrowed”. I’m sure your day was a bitter/sweet one for you b/c it was something you took sweet Maddie too. I’m glad you did and I’m glad Mike got to experience Annie going to this movie. He sure did looked happy in the picture. I must admit, I did smile when I saw the picture of you and Annie b/c you looked so much more into “flying’ than she did.
No worries though, I’m sure much sooner than later, she will be like many of us and “get lost” in the movie she’s watching and then YES, completely reenact it as she’s coming out of the theatre…NOT to mention the adventures she’ll have when she gets home!!!
After all….You and Mike ARE her parents and she is blessed enough to live in the “LAND OF THE MOVIES STARS” (HOW AWESOME IS THAT!!!). That’s one lucky little girl…even if I do say so myself!!!!
Leigh Elliott says:
really cute pics! That last photo of you and Annie outside of the theater, you look just like Maddie there.
Courtney says:
That’s exactly what I thought when I saw the picture!
Andrea says:
I see Maddie in that picutre too!
Emily says:
I love Annie’s “get comfy” look. Rock it, kid – I watch movies the exact same way =)
Leslie says:
What Tina said.
I was surprised you would choose a PG 13 movie, too. Seems as if the baby went because the dad wanted to see the movie.
What about the new Winnie-the-Pooh?
Casey says:
Gotta say I agree – my husband and I both took the day off work yesterday to go see it. (Our child goes to day care during the week, so we sent her there and took vacation days from work.) Even I was scared – I cannot imagine having a child of any age under, say 10-12 at the HP movie. I guess little newborns might be ok since they sleep through the whole thing…but at Annie’s age, and my daughter’s age (2.5), I just think HP is SO violent. We did take our daughter to see Winnie the Pooh and she LOVED it!!
Suzanne says:
Stop the judgment, please. There are probably a billion things that everyone does as parents that others find suspect. If you don’t approve of it, just don’t do it with your own kids and keep your smug opinions to yourselves.
Lisa W says:
Agreed!!
Kim says:
Well, at least Heather and Mike were WITH their child! One could pass judgement on you that you shipped your kid off to day care on your day off!!!
Casey says:
One absolutely could pass judgement on me for “shipping my kid off to daycare.” You’re so right – and I’m sorry if I came off as “judgy” – I really do apologize Heather! I guess I just went with my gut reaction and typed in a comment…should’ve sqaundered it. I can see how it can cause issues, as my defenses instantly went up when I read Kim’s comment – I feel like yelling “but my husband and I never go anywhere! We never have a babysitter, and no family to watch our child! Our only option to get any alone time ever is to sacrifice vacation time at work and spend the day together…which we normally do once a year on our anniversary!” The ONLY way for me to see this movie was to go at a time when my child was already being cared for (where she would normally be on a Monday because I work.) So, I see that my comments could have elicited the same feelings in others – I really do apologize if I made anyone feel bad. I just ask that you recognize that my opinion wasn’t “smug” at all – just shock, as it wasn’t something I would do. But perhaps you all wouldn’t do the things I would do. So, I’m sorry!!
lacey says:
I think that Casey is awesome for posting an apology.
Josephine says:
I feel so sorry for your children. I hope they don’t find out that you would rather see a movie than spend time with them. I know I would feel hurt. Wouldn’t you feel horrible if something happened to them when they were at daycare when they didn’t have to be.
Heather says:
Josephine, that was really unnecessary. Casey, I am sure you are an awesome mom, and I guarantee that if I had childcare at our movie theatre we would drop Annie off there.
Annie says:
What kind of comment is that?? All mommy’s need a break once in awhile! And I didn’t see anywhere that Casey said she didn’t want to spend time with her kids. The cruelty and ignorance of people never ceases to amaze me. How awesome is Casey for apologizing if she offended someone!?? Casey rocks!!
Jenn says:
They didn’t go b/c Mike wanted to see the movie. Mike went to see Annie at the movies since he didn’t get to see Maddie when she went. The movies are set up that way so the PARENTS can see an adultish movie with their baby instead of having to hire a babysit. That’s the whole idea of it and they usually only play 1 movie for the Mother/Father & Baby Movie time and obviously the “Powers That Be” choose Harry Potter. As for the whole choice of the movie, I personally think that’s Mike & Heather’s decision. They know Annie better than ANYONE but it sounds to me like the theatre was packed so I suspect a lot of parents thought the movie was Okay for their baby and/or toddler. From looking at the pictures and seeing Mike, Heather smile, I suspect they have no regrets so, I don’t think when it comes to Annie…none of you should either. If you don’t like or agree with the movie choice, instead of passing judgement on these 2 awesome parents, simply don’t take your own child to it.
Samantha says:
I just have to say “AMEN SISTER!”
Brittany says:
Yeah this was a Mom Movie, not sure if you have them where you are located, but the theaters do this so parents can see movies with their kids when that can’t get sitters and whatnot.
The theater isn’t dark and the sound is way lower than a normal movie, the kids are mostly playing with each other, sleeping or eating goodies, and almost none are even aware a movie is on.
It’s a great thing theaters do to help parents get out a bit, and it looks like Annie had a blast!
Vic says:
Oh jeez people stop the freaking judgemental comments! Its a movie and she is 18 months old! I was taken to to movies that were far scarier that HP and guess what? I’m completely and utterly normal thank you very much. Its about about a movie, its about parents. And what Mike and Heather do and how they choose to bring Annie up is their business. Stop judging. Please.
We’re nit-picking stupid, silly things like this and missing the point altogether. There is one freaking happy little girl and two awesome parents who love their girls more than life itself.
Sara Mc. says:
What a great concept! Monday Mom movies. So…did you love the movie? I saw it at the midnight premier. Several projectors broke before the movie even started. After about an hour, all was up and working. During that time, they did give out free movie passes and concessions! Yay!
Btw, there were children at the theater when I went, and I wasn’t so much surprised as them being there for the movie, but more for the time. Midnight showing and then really it turned into 1a.m. almost 1:30. I’m 37 and I was almost toast. Ha.
Glad you all had a good time!
Heather says:
I did like the movie! I knew there was just no way it could be as good as the book – the book was so emotional, and so many important things just couldn’t get the time deserved (I don’t want to write spoilers here). But it was very satisfying!
marcia says:
My son said the same thing — he liked the movie a lot, but felt that it was “rushed”. He rattled off a slew of things that he would have like to have seen them include & then realized that the movie would have been a six-hour affair!
Jennifer says:
I was going to ask you how you enjoyed it, but see that I don’t have to.
It was amazing, wasn’t it!
I’ve seen it in the theater twice so far, and will see it another one or two times yet. (HP movies in theaters are my luxuries.)
Tami says:
I dont blame Annie for getting comfy. Are theaters here dont have that comfy of chairs. I wouldnt know how to act if I sat in a chair like that and watched a movie at a theater.lol I love the last picture of you and Annie!!
AB says:
Agree with previous comments. As mom to a 2.5 year old and a 14 month old, I realize a baby or toddler cannot follow the plot or really understand what is happening in the movie. However, they see can the images — and many of this PG-13 movie’s scenes are disturbing and violent.
AB says:
Oops, that should be “they CAN see the images.” Obviously, grammatical errors happen when you’re chasing around two toddlers.
Rebecca says:
We plan to take the kids to see the new Winnie The Pooh movie in a couple of weeks. I’m kinda excited.
Kristin says:
Glad you were able to see the movie…and I LOVE the flying scene afterward.
Susan says:
I think the Mom Movies are for babies who don’t understand what’s going on onscreen. So for those, I think it’s fine to watch PG-13 or R movies, b/c the kids have no idea what’s going on. For older kids, of course you shouldn’t take them to see anything scary or too mature. I’m sure the Spohrs didn’t let Annabelle see anything threatening–they said she was out being walked around during most of it, anyway.
Brittany says:
Exactly. The last mom movie Heather went to was Saw IV and I was HORRIFIED, but Annie loved it.
Just kidding:)
AmazingGreis says:
LMAO!
Linda says:
LOL!!! HA! HA! HA! HA!
Lindsey says:
Awww, sweet story! Reminded me of how we used to rush in after seeing a movie and try to tell my father the whole plot, verbatim, and he would eventually stop us and say ‘don’t tell me anymore, I might want to see it” and would say “don’t tell me, I might want to read it” if you launched into a narrative about a book and my favorite, if you tried to tell him a dream…”don’t tell me, I might want to dream it”. Thanks for giving me that memory today. I really miss my father.
You and Mike are my favorite on-line parents, by the way!!!
Heather says:
Aw, thank you!
Anthony from CharismaticKid says:
Hahah! She looks like a girl who knows what she wants.
Lisa says:
How fun. Glad she did well and you were able to enjoy the movie. Our theaters here only run kids movies for the mom and me showings
Heather says:
well that seems kind of silly considering you can take a kid to a movie FOR kids anytime!
Brooke says:
You should have shown Mike this – six HP films in six minutes:
http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/43756803/ns/today-entertainment/
Tina says:
I’m not being critical–it just surprised me a little too that you took a toddler to a movie with so much violence and so many scary scenes. My nephew is eight and he had to be taken out of the theatre less than halfway through because he was so frightened.
Heather says:
well, an eight year old has a much better grasp on what is going on. Annie was much more into the other little kids around her. I read the books and knew what to expect. If she was older, it would have been an issue, but she doesn’t understand what’s happening on Yo Gabba Gabba 90% of the time so I wasn’t worried.
Tina says:
Oh, yes, I know–of course an eight year-old is much more aware of what’s going on, and I’m sure the low sound level and having the lights on made a huge difference as well.
Glenda says:
I don’t think Annie will remember the scary parts.
If the theater is set up for Adults but bring your baby…I’d say more power to Heather & Mike. Hope you both enjoyed the movie, because it looks like Annie did
Expat Mom says:
My boys have never been to a movie theater, mainly because there aren’t any where we live. However, they LOVE DVDs and when they watched the Last Airbender, we had water columns and pillars of fires shooting up all over the place. After How to Train Your Dragon, I couldn’t cook dinner without someone yelling, “Look out for the dragon, Mama!” and being rescued by my brave dragon slayers.
As for kids watching scary movies, it totally depends on the kid and the parents know best. When my oldest was a baby and small toddler, I watched Supernatural while up with him all night and the only thing it ever did was make him yell, “SAM!” whenever he saw Jared Padalecki. He totally missed everything else because he was so occupied with other stuff.
Kelly says:
My kid just turned five, and has only made it through an entire movie without falling asleep twice. She just gets, SOOOOOOO VERY SLEEPY!
We took her to see Winnie the Poo on Saturday, and since it is only an hour long she made it all the way through.
Rian says:
Is there a website where you can find mom movies in your area? Or do you happen to know which theaters offer them in Ventura County? I’ve been trying to track this down for my husband since he’s been begging to go to the movies.
Heather says:
Rian, I think Muvico has mom movies! I think they’re on Tuesdays.
Mommy says:
Muvico also has free summer movies! Tue, Wed and Thur at 10:00 a.m., they show older kid movies for free! There are noisy kiddos everywhere, so no one minds the little ones, like mine, that don’t know you aren’t supposed to narrate every.single.thing that is going on as it is happening!
http://www.conejovalleyguide.com/local-events/muvico-theaters-free-summer-film-fest-in-thousand-oaks-june.html
Mommy says:
“older” as in not new releases, not for older kids. There were TONS of babies there.
Amy says:
My mom had a mantra that I really believe has great value when you’re deciding what to expose children too. What goes in, must come out. Be it a crabby mood, poor sleep, new interests, new imaginary play, modeled behavior … It doesn’t matter if they understand the plotlines or even the language. Film is a powerful medium over minds of all ages.
Heather says:
ooh, I hope that’s true, I would love it if Annie started doing magic.
Allison Zapata says:
I’m calling CPS. Just as soon as I get the two guns and the switch blade away from Luca.
Beth says:
this comment made my day. well played, heather.
Jenn says:
Let me know when Annie opens in Vegas with all of her new “talents”….Magic & Otherwise she learns from your “Poor Judgement” and we will be there with bells on….our boobs!!! ha ha Right beside her Mama to cheer her on!!! NOW THAT IS SUPPORT AND ENCOURAGEMENT!!!
You know I adore you guys!! Pay no mind….you’re doing a GREAT job with Annie and you guys did with Maddie too. Those smiles don’t lie!!!
Elizabeth says:
I would pay good money to take her place at Hogwarts.
Carrie says:
I admit, I read the comments today just so I could watch the snark play out. I wouldn’t personally choose to take my 2 year old to Harry Potter, but that’s because i made the mistake of having #2 on t.v. once when my older one was 2.5 and he came running out of the living room yelling, “Too scary!!”. Plus, I like movie times for me. I did take my 9 week old with me and he slept through the whole thing or nursed. But, why can’t parents just let other parents make their own choices for their families? It’s not as if Heather is going to say, “Oh wow, you are all right. I’m a horrible mom for bringing my kid to this movie.” It’s not like there was nudity or graphic sex scenes, or even blood spurting out everywhere. Scary? Sure. Understandable for a small child? Nope. Plus, the scariest part for small children is usually the dark and the loud noise, neither of which were a problem since it was a mom movie.
Ahhhh…LOVE it when moms tell other moms how to parent.
Loukia says:
That’s an awesome picture of you two!
AmazingGreis says:
Dude, Annie is YOUR child and if you want to take her to see Harry Potter that is YOUR choice.
Why must parents be so judgmental about other parents? If you don’t want to take your young child to a Mom Movie because it’s PG-13 that is your choice.
Sheesh!!
Heli says:
Good for you! Too often I avoid things with my kids because I’m scared of the outcome. Glad it was positive for you
Jen says:
Is it wrong that I have to ask Ryan what’s going on in the movies? I mean I read all the books and have seen all the movies but I still forget who characters are or what’s happened. He remembers EVERYTHING.
I want to say something really sassy about you taking Annie to a PG-13 movie but I just can’t come up with anything right now so….AS YOU WERE.
Heather says:
YOU have questions about movies? WEIRD.
Lindsey Petersen says:
I remember going to the drive in when I was a toddler. During “those days” 2 movies were shown, but I was always asleep after the first one. It was a James Bond type movie.
Brittany says:
I did as a kid, too. I remember the first movie being something I wanted see, and the second movie, the one I usually was asleep for, was for the parents. HAH!!
We do the drive in now with our three kids, and it’s either 2 adult or 2 kid movies….in which case I am asleep by the second one!
Leslie says:
Yesterday was my Emily’s first movie theater experience, as well! I almost lost her during the previews, but the movie she loved! It was Pooh and she’d only read the books!
edenland says:
So, I guess I shouldn’t blog about how I let my nine year old watch Zombieland recently. Had to move him from upstairs to the room next to us, because he was terrified.
Now THAT’S bad parenting, people.
Jenni Williams says:
Oh for the love of gravy people, pull your panties out of a wad. I am pretty sure had Annie cried in fear Heather would have left. She is 18 months old, she has no idea what was going on, other than it was a fun place to explore. You are all acting like she took her 4 yo to a porn theater.
That said glad you had fun Heather and I think they only part Annie will have any memory of is snuggling you and Mike.
Lisa says:
I actually snickered out loud when I read this! We as parents should SUPPORT one another, not be judgmental. Kudos to you & Mike for actually DOING things with your children!
Amber says:
This whole comment section just made me realize that I’m totally being judged as parent because when I read this post I had no idea there was anything to judge.
Awesome.
Brittany says:
Exactly.
But I think that just makes us awesomer.
JenC says:
LOL, me too! The comments live so that the judgy Moms of the world are able to demonstrate their superior parenting and good judgement. I know feel so educated. I had always thought it was a big wide world and people made the choices that worked for them!
Vic says:
LOL!!!
I read the post and I thought ‘WOW! Those are totally awesome pics of Heather and Annie and Mike and Annie!!”
You know what, I’m a step-mum (to 3 boys!!), so being judged by parents is pretty much part of the ‘job’. Getting support is the hard part. Judgement, yes, but support?? No, not really. It doesn’t matter that I love the boys, that I work to make sure they have everything they need, that they are happy and healthy….
People, chill out. Stop judging. There are more important things in life/in the world than a toddler going to the movies with her loving mum and dad. Really. Have a reality check.
nicole says:
whatever people! my husband took my 9 and 5 year old to hp7 and probably would have taken my 3 yr old too if it wasn’t nap time. they loved it and watch the other dvds at home all the time. it’s the time they are growing up in, and it’s OOOOOOOOOKKKKKKKKKKKK – geesh – i can’t imagine if my kids didn’t know all about harry potter!! now THAT would be bad parenting in my opinion!!!
Brittany says:
My kids (Boys 4&5, Girl 2) honestly had no interest in Harry Potter until the Harry Potter lego game came out, and we all played it, and they LOVED it! They have no started watching the movies from the start, and if by the time we get to 7, if it’s still in the theater, they will see it there.
I remember watching way worse at their age when I was younger, need I rekindle my nightmares from the Garbage Pail Kids….
Annie will be fine. And YOUR kids will be also, with whatever decisions YOU decide to make for them.
Elizabeth says:
Well said.
Kristi says:
I am a GIANT chicken when it comes to scary movies so my daughter (20), the music genius, says to me, “You know mom, it is the music that makes it so scary. If you turn the sound down you won’t be scared.” So she takes away the sound and amazingly the scary movie wasn’t scary anymore. This being said, I am guessing lights up/sound down took the scary out of Harry. Furthermore, you know what works with Annie. Judging others is just not a good idea.
Brittany says:
As much as Annie looks like Mike, I never thought Madeline looked like Heather or Mike in an obvious way. But THAT face Heather is making outside the theater? That’s a Madeline face. I totally see it now. So beautiful!
Laura says:
Ugh — the judgy comments are ridiculous. Beyond the basic “judgement of other people” issue, I find the whole “my poor babies can’t handle anything dark’ a problem, too. My husband and I are pretty relaxed about what are kids (ages 16, 7 and 2) watch and have never had a problem with any of them being scared of or disturbed by any movie. They are less sensitive than others who I’ve heard stories about who can’t handle anything less than rainbows and unicorns on the screen. I’m sure there are kids out there who are of the more sensitive nature and who are naturally more scared of dark images or loud noise – and I don’t disparage these kids for feeling that way. BUT – don’t just assume that kids can’t handle things. You may not want little Johnny to anything that is dark or disturbing IN YOUR OPINION, but that doesn’t mean it is WRONG to expose them to it. I’m of the non-coddling sensibility and feel like it is a disservice to shelter kids to the point of ridiculousness. I don’t show my kids gory movies with murders in them and if they do happen to see something that might be scary we always make sure to say that ‘this is a movie – not real’ and make sure they are okay.
Get over your judginess.
Love you Heather!
Laura
Sara says:
I love the idea of mom movies….but even better, there’s one in Chino Hills that has a drop off play area! For $6.00 you drop your 3+ kid off while you watch! Wish this was everywhere!
http://www.harkinstheatres.com/playcenter.aspx
MamaCas says:
O…M…G…I might need to move to your town because that is the GREATEST idea I’ve ever heard. I’m totally jealous!!
Sara says:
I know, right???
Mommy says:
Brilliant! I am so jealous!!! Why don’t they have this everywhere? Restaurants, grocery store etc.? Sign me up!
Sara says:
They do when we visit my in laws in Ohio, a free drop off playroom AT THE GROCERY STORE! With crafts and games and computers and trains….
Adrienne says:
Yes, better you should take Annie to see Winnie the Pooh where they set out to catch a terribly scary creature (the Backson) that leaves HUGE footprints and has claws and such.
Or perhaps Sleeping Beauty would be a better choice with the creepy scary witch that poisons the innocent little girl.
Or wait how about Cinderella, every little girl should see Cinderella so she will know that Stepmothers are all evil and slavery is good for you and that you should touch and coddle the mice in your house and it is totally safe to wear glass on your feet.
Jaclyn says:
You forgot to mention how in Sleeping Beauty the hunter is asked to cut her heart out and bring it back in a box. Nothing scary or disturbing about that =)
Lindsay from Boston says:
That’s Snow White, isn’t it?!
Sirena says:
Yes! We much better parents than you took OUR child to see Winne the pooh.
Seriously?
I am not a parent but am saddened by these comments. How judgmental and ugly of us as a community to do this to a mom who invites us to share into her world.
But I am happy that Heather and Mike had a fun afternoon seeing a movie with their beautiful and un-scarred un-terrified baby girl.
Leslie says:
For the record, I was just excited we saw Pooh, I hadn’t read any comments and wasn’t siding with those people.
Seriously, just a great day for a first.movie.ever!
Rosa says:
Good for you! My daughter is 3 and likes the early harry Potters so take that!
You crabby ladies need to get over yourselves.
Rosa says:
P.S. The REAL advice to be given here: Don’t google mom movies!!! lol
Sheryl Macnie says:
I can´t believe the judgement! There is no way Annie is going to remember the movie or that she could understand what was going on. That being said. I took my eleven year old and my eight year old to watch it. They have both read the books, knew how it was going to end, were prepared for the scary bits and had a ball!
heather says:
I didn’t let my kids watch ‘scary movies’ when they were little… my best friend did. I have to admit I was a little judgey about it at first, but her kids are far more relaxed about scary movies than mine are.
I put them in a bubble, and while it’s appropriate for many things, I don’t think I did them any favours by doing so.
You didn’t dip her in vodka and let her show the paprazzi her big girl pants. You took her to see a movie at a theatre designed to handle babies and toddlers. People should just let it be.
Big saying around her lately is “Not my kid, not my problem”
Ce Ce says:
I don’t give a sh*t what you expose your kids to, mine grew up listening to Howard Stern so you’ll get no judgements from me! I saw the movie today and was bawling at the resurrection stone scene, must’ve been tough for you…you are a kick ass mama and my hero.
Megan says:
I think I would have to judge you if you DIDN’T expose Annie to Harry Potter, that movie freaking rocked my socks off! Yeah there are scary parts, death, violence, but whatever, I seriously doubt it’s going to make her turn into a power hungry bitch that kills anyone that gets in her way and splits her soul into 7 pieces….or WILL SHE?! Let your kids watch what you want, for as long as you can control it, then they hit middle school and just go to their cool friend’s house where her parents don’t care what movies you guys watch My mother was ridiculously careful of what we watched as kids, although I remember being very young and going crazy over Legend (you knoooowww, the one with Tom Cruise). Which is funny now that I think about it, because while I couldn’t watch PG-13 movies when I was younger, my dad was taking me to haunted houses with him every fall and there was no objection to that. I’m talking my seven year old self going to adult themed (as in scary, not like porno, haha) hauted houses and I freaking loved it. But I couldn’t watch the Scream movies until I was like 15, and that was with begging. Parents, so weird.
Brooke says:
My daughter was about 8 months old when Sex and the City came to theaters….we went, she’s 3 now, and has no rememberance of it
Ashley says:
What is wrong with you people?
Did you squirt Annie out of your vajayjay or have her cut out of your abdomen? Do you stay up with her when she is sick? Do you change her nasty-ass diapers every day or feed her around the clock or worry about her every second?
No?
Then SHUT IT with the nasty comments.
Claire says:
sorry for all the judgment you’ve gotten on this post! i’m just excited to hear that maybe mom movies aren’t closed to me & my 13 month old. i was thinking we were past it since she won’t sleep through it anymore. i’m totally going to try it again now!
Jenny says:
I’m glad you had a good family day together! Yeah for the Spohrs!!
Kathryn says:
Cause we ALL remember things from when we were 18 months old!!
The first movie I remember seeing that scared me was Poltergeist when I was 8 (my older sister put it in when she was babysitting me).
I’m glad that you got to go out to a movie together!! Looks like a fun day was had by all!!
Tricia says:
My dad and I used to watch scary movies ALL the time when I was like 4 or 5 years old. I saw Aliens and Nightmare on Elm Street and I am totally fine. I loved doing that with him. I’m more scared of those movies now then I was when I was little. lol
Your kid, your rules. The end. Love you guys and you are fabulous parents.
Madi G. says:
In my experience of being a parent and a nanny, I can tell you with absolute certainty that the kids who are easily frightened are rarely exposed to anything that’s potentially “scary.” These kids tend to be emotionally immature and very sheltered.
It’s a self-perpetuating problem. Shelter the child and things continue to seem frightening, as they never develop perspective. They lack a coping mechanism (e.g. understanding that a film is not real; that actors are acting, etc.)
I saw the new HP film on Monday and we took all of our kids to see this film last night — 4, 5 and two 8 year olds. They LOVED it. They weren’t scared at all; in fact, all are begging to go see it again (and we only just saw it yesterday!) There’s absolutely nothing frightening in that film, IMHO, particularly if you’ve read the book as you know precisely what’s going to occur. (We have read the books; many times.)
I’ve found that the children who are exposed to potentially frightening material are always more mature and well-balanced kids. In our family, we use this content as fodder for discussion and learning. We do not shelter our children. And they’re all the better for it. They’re all very smart, happy, and well-balanced kids. In fact, we’ve never had to deal with nightmares, childhood fears of monsters under the bed or in the closet, etc. Not a one. I believe that this is a result of our supervised exposure to potentially frightening concepts and our subsequent discussions.
Further, my kids are all involved in theatre. They all understand the concept of acting and props and films and fiction. They *know* it’s not real and thus, there’s no reason to be scared.
Honestly, I really believe that it’s the lazy parents who shelter their kids. They can’t be bothered with the time and effort that it takes to have an actual interaction and discussion with their kids about a potentially frightening or mature concept.
For instance, while reading the books, our youngest asked about an adult wanting to hurt a child (in response to Voldemort seeking to kill Harry) and about child abuse (the Dursleys’ treatment of Harry). We discussed child abuse and explained that there are some bad parents who treat their kids poorly. And we explained there *are* bad people who want to harm kids, so it’s important to stay with mommy and daddy in the store, avoid talking to strangers and so forth.
She understands these concepts and she makes good decisions as a result of her understanding (e.g. she told an adult when she saw a mother hit her child — a classmate — just outside of her preschool.) She isn’t scared of the world or HP films in the least. And she’s 4 (well, 5 next week.)
As for the adults who said that this film was scary….I don’t have any kind words for you so I’ll keep it to a minimum. I can’t help but be judgmental of you, as that film was not frightening in the least. There weren’t even any startling scenes. Perhaps your own parents should have exposed you to more films and books as a child.
*shrug*
Christina Cox says:
Dang! I can’t believe how defensive everyone is! This has turned into a mob mentality with most of the commenters (is that a word?) attacking the 2 or 3 people who said they wouldn’t have taken their kids. Is that such a big deal that someone has a different opinion? Ex: some people feed their toddlers full grapes and some people cut them up. Every parent is doing the best s/he can at all times! I like seeing how other parents do their jobs to give me ideas even if I don’t agree with that for MY children.
Another thing to keep in mind: we change our minds about how we parent all the time. (Or at least, I’ve noticed I do.) Something I thought I’d never do, I now do! Or something I thought I’d always do, I don’t.
Erica says:
LOVE the pic of you and Annie practicing the Peter Pan….to the judgemental parents, I say read the post linked to this one “Take Off Your Judgey Pants and Stay A While” because what YOU CHOOSE TO DO WITH YOUR CHILD IS YOUR BUSINESS. I wonder how they’d handle YOU commenting on what THEY do with THEIR child. I am certain it wouldn’t go down well AT ALL. Psh. I invite them to come read my blog. I’m certain they’d disapprove for SO many reasons. Ask me if I care?
Terri says:
I will never, for the life of me, understand why we aren’t joined together, in support of each other, as moms. Why does it always have to turn into this?? As a parent, you have a right to do what you want with your child. It may not be what I choose to do or what I think is best for a child, but it’s not up to ME to decide what best for YOUR child! I was actively involved in a community board on Baby Center and decided to leave and never go back when I confessed that I had chosen to formula feed my son, without even trying to breastfeed, and I was attacked and told that I was a horrible mother! I just didn’t understand the awful judgement then from other moms and I still don’t get it!
Heather, it’s very apparent that you love Annie beyond words and would never do anything to harm her on purpose. You and Mike are excellent parents and you don’t ever have to answer to anyone but each other…and even then you don’t have to answer to Mike because, let’s face it, you’re always right…like most wives!
So glad you had a day together with Annie and that you enjoyed the movie!
fiorella says:
i took my 5 1/2 year old cousin to go see it in 3d at midnight & his parents totally let me.. ohh bad parenting? nope he loved it we enjoyed ourselves andhe thinks im the best cousin ever!
renae says:
My mom let me watch a little bit of Porky’s when I was 8. Judge that!
Ashli says:
That bottom picture is adorable! You really see Madeline in your face! I’m so glad the three of you had fun. Be sure and watch her closely though. Any day now she’s gonna be casting spells, and searching for pieces of some freaky looking guys soul… *sigh* How dare you be so selfish as to do something fun for the whole family? I’m just kidding. You are a fantastic mother and you didn’t do anything wrong here. If she knew what was happening, it’d be something, but like you said, she wasn’t even paying attention to the movie.