What is a great way to jazz up your family life while it’s still cold outside? Family movie night! Being in the same room with your entire family in close proximity for 2 whole hours may be just what you need. Put away your electronic devices and plug-in to family time.
Check out this link for 5 fantastic tips on planning a successful family movie night. Scheduling, taking turns choosing, location, choosing a theme and discussion are the five tips that the article highlights. The www.commonsensemedia.org website has many great ideas on how to be involved with your children’s media exposure from a young age. This early guidance will help them make positive independent choices as a teen.
If you really want to have some fun with your movie night, take a few moments to search Pinterest for themes. The ideas are endless for dinners on T.V. stands that coordinate with the movie, costumes, inviting friends and family etc. You are sure to stumble on a creative idea that will have your entire family on board and looking forward to.
Homemade popcorn. WOW. Once you start making your own homemade popped corn, you’ll never want to buy a microwave bag again.There are many different methods and techniques using different types of corn. It is worth an extra minute or two for a fresh taste and wonderful smell! You may even want to add-in some extras like M&M’s, caramel, or a little Sriracha sauce to give a new flavor. My personal favorite, is a few drops of white truffle oil and extra salt.
The Rotten Tomatoes website has a list of the best 100 kids and family movies. I like this website because it details the age appropriate level as well as the content. If you are unsure, it is better not to risk viewing a movie that may cause any type of negative reaction. I have watched beloved movies from my childhood as an adult, and have been quite surprised that some have been quite bothersome viewing as a parent. I suppose our rating system has changed over the years.
Beginning family traditions that your kids enjoy and think are special can be very powerful for them as they look back on their fun memories of childhood. When my children were very young, we invited a different family member over for “Movie Night” each month and used T.V. trays to have dinner. The best part of the evening was after the movie while the credits were running with music, we would turn up the volume and the kids would put on a dance show. It was awesome, and I still remember some of their moves and how much grandma enjoyed it.
Schedule a family movie night, and be sure to include time for follow up discussion afterwards. Have fun!
