Bubbas Out And About?

@Malyck (3425)
Australia
May 4, 2008 5:13am CST
How do you feel about having babies out at night, especially in cinemas and theatres? I'm not meaning for this to be a rant, as I understand that parenthood has a number of struggles, and that socialising and having a place and carer for your child is a big one, but myself, and a number of other people, including other parents, get increasingly annoyed by parents bringing along their 5 and under children to movies, plays and events that aren't for children who can't contain their laughter/cries/yelling/running around etc. It's not their fault, but it's also not their place to be, if you know what I mean? So what are your views on this? Do you or have you taken your children out to places that aren't really suitable for their age and behavioural patterns? And please, feel free to give reasons for why you do take your kids out, but there's no need to feel defensive, I'm not trying to insult anyone here. =D Mal.
8 people like this
15 responses
@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
5 May 08
Believe me I do know the struggle of not being able to go out unless the child goes with me. It can be frustrating but there is no reason to take a child to something that is inappropriate. I cannot understand why some parents do this especially when we are talking movie theaters. If they want to see the movie but can't find a sitter then wait till it's out on DVD. Several years ago before my niece was born my sister and I went to see the movie "The General's Daughter". A couple brought in a three year old with them. This movie is not suitable for children at all. I couldn't believe they had brought the child there. Now the child was well behaved, that wasn't the issue. It was the appropriateness of the subject matter. I thought they showed poor choices in the matter.
@emeraldisle (13139)
• United States
7 May 08
Well it definitely deals with adult situations that's for sure. Now a Disney film I can understand taking them too. We took my niece to them at under a year but we did it at a drive-in. She could bounce in her seat or on our laps, make noise, and no one was disturbed. That's the big difference. We took her to an appropriate spot.
@Malyck (3425)
• Australia
7 May 08
Oh I love drive-ins! My parents used to take my sister and I when we were younger, but we don't have one any more =( That's exactly right - there is a big difference when it's appropriate, and it enhances the enjoyment for everyone! =D
1 person likes this
@Malyck (3425)
• Australia
5 May 08
I don't know exactly what that movie's about, but from what I can remember, it's definitely not appropriate, although I stand by the fact that any night time movie isn't really the best option for small, active children. No movie is truly that important that the rest of us have to suffer and bite our tongues. It's one of the many small (and not so small) sacrifices that people make as they go through the different stages of parenthood, I guess =)
1 person likes this
@artemis432 (7474)
• Abernathy, Texas
15 May 08
Are all babies in Australia called bubbas - I thought it was just you! And my little snoogins. Going to the movies is supposed to be a break - not just for non parents but parents. I'm against it! If I get a chance to go to the movies, I don't want to be worrying about him! I have heard of theatres FOR MOMs. None here though. I do take him on planes though!
• Abernathy, Texas
15 May 08
I think he liked going to visit his Ama (grandma). There was a lot to see in the airport and the plane made him sleep.
@Malyck (3425)
• Australia
15 May 08
I'm fine with kids on planes/transport - I mean, how much of a stickler/anti-baby person can someone be?! =P I don't know that many other people call them Bubbas, but it comes naturally to me =P A parent/mum-only theatre or events would be cool, because of course at appropriate places and times, having your kids with you would be fun =)
@Malyck (3425)
• Australia
15 May 08
Ama. I like that =) Airports are exciting! I can't even imagine what they must be like for a wee bubba. =)
• United States
5 May 08
that's exactly why i rent movies instead of going to theatres anymore.got tired of paying 10 bucks to hear a baby wail all movie long. if i had a child,i would make sure i had somebody to sit it so i could go out once in a while.if i couldn't find one,i just wouldn't go out.i'm sure the poor baby isn't thrilled being dragged out at night either.it would keep them awake longer most likely.
• United States
6 May 08
yup.and no lines for the bathroom either.. that's a plus right there LOL
@Malyck (3425)
• Australia
7 May 08
HAHA, I hadn't even thought of that, but it's so true. Not to mention being able to pause, rewind etc if you have something else to do. The only downside I can think of is perhaps making your own popcorn and if the phone rings, but hey, you can't have it all =P
@dangnabit67 (2021)
• United States
7 May 08
Sometimes parents have no choice. It is cheaper than finding a babysitter or trusting your child with a stranger. I know when I am watching a movie in a theater it does get annoying. Heck I work at a grocery store and wish they wouldnt come in-LOL
@Malyck (3425)
• Australia
7 May 08
I wouldn't say that leaves them with no choice - the choice is just not to go out =P Lol, that's a bit harsh, but you know... I know what you mean - going to the shopping centre I wish that there was at least some way for parents to be able to keep their kids within a certain distance of them (without a) yelling b) one of those weirdo child leashes).
1 person likes this
• United States
8 May 08
I know what you mean. Its not harsh. Just that I have kids and we have taken them places with us its a way to do things as a family. Plus a little mommy and daddy need out sometimes.
• United States
8 May 08
When my kids acted up I would grab their arm and pull them to me so they would hear me clearly say in their ear--If you dont behave I will beat your a** when we get to the car or bathroom-LOL I dont like making a scene in public. It worked and was very effective-LOL
@GreenMoo (11834)
4 May 08
My kids go with me when I go out, because if they didn't then I'd never get to go out. But as a parent you have to choose your event carefully. As you say, not everywhere it suitable for children. If it's not somewhere that is suitable for kids to run about then I'd not enjoy myself anyway as I'd be forever running about chasing the kids, trying to keep them quiet. So, my social life is limited to visiting friends, visiting the park, and trips to bars and restaurants. I'm very lucky on two scores. Firstly, my kids pretty much do as they're told and don't run about in restaurants. I hate it when other people's kids do it, so I don't let mine. But secondly, kids are welcomed with open arms into most bars and restaurants around here, so if they do get bored it's not the end of the world. Several times my little ones have been caught up by the waiting staff and taken off into the kitchen for a guided tour and special tidbit! There's no way I'd take both my kids to a cinema or a play. Even if it were a kid's event, my youngest is just too young to appreciate it yet. The eldest goes to all sorts of events though, but then he's old enough to know how to behave (and I can always sneak his GameBoy into my handbag!!). Don't feel bad about bringing up a subject like this. I'm a parent, and I still hate to see kids running around spoiling an event for other people. You can't always keep them quiet or sitting, but a parent should know their child well enough to know when their behaviour is likely to disturb others.
• Abernathy, Texas
15 May 08
We also go to family friendly restaraunts - its the only way we'd get to go out to eat. There are also museums, planetariums - the Aquarium and zoo. Here in the states kids aren't allowed at bars. How would you get them home anyway if you've been drinking. Kids and drinking don't really mix anyway. I think in places like England and Australia the pubs are more social and people don't go to get stupid drunk or pick people up though. I've heard baby's fall alseep in theatres but I wouldn't risk it! I'll just watch it on our cable movies on demand!
1 person likes this
@Malyck (3425)
• Australia
5 May 08
That's how I feel - I mean I'm not anti-kids, I love seeing them out, in parks, shopping centres etc, where they can run around and be cute, but screaming children in non-children-friendly environments is where it gets a bit out of hand. I think that most parents feel the same, actually, except if someone complains about their own child/ren =P Although my mum and dad have always agreed if/when I was being a brat =P It's so awesome that your kids get the kitchen tour, I'd love that kind of treatment! =D
1 person likes this
@dandj929 (423)
• United States
4 May 08
We do not bring our daughter to movies, plays, some restaurants. The reason not being that we worry about offending the other patrons, the reason being that we don't want our daughter to be bored. It's no fun for children to have to stay seated properly for long periods of time. They just can't do it, they're kids. We do take her to the movies, but only to children's movies (and we take her to the matinee), we take her to plays (but children's ones as well) and we do take her out to dinner at restaurants (but only family-friendly ones).
@Malyck (3425)
• Australia
4 May 08
I totally understand what you mean. I was actually thinking after I posted that I should have mentioned that it can be kind of unfair to take your kids along, I mean I've been to Gilbert and Sullivan productions where people have brought toddlers, and I wonder what they expect of them. It often seems like some cruel and unusual punishment =P Thanks for responding, and many a happy outing, both with and without your daughter =D Mal.
• Abernathy, Texas
15 May 08
time for me to start folding clothes. I guess I'll be back tomm or maybe while he's in the shower. I'm now a World of Warcraft widow!
@Bizziebod (3497)
5 May 08
I'm afraid I'm quite intolerant of children as mine is grown up now. If I go to restaurants and such like I ask to be placed away from children as some parents don't care if their kids are annoying anyone else! What I do think is wrong is parents taking their children into pubs or bars. They are simply not a places for them, unless a specialised theme bar. Even with the smoking ban in force, fights can break out, people can be drunk and shouting abuse, you never know what can happen, I don't think I would want my little one to see that!
@Malyck (3425)
• Australia
5 May 08
I totally agree - and even with OH&S laws and smoking bans, tiny little people (aka children =P) are way too close to often disgusting carpets. Icky. If you place pubbing or clubbing over the importance of your child's safety, welfare and enjoyment, then to me you shouldn't be a parent. That's not to say that parents can't have fun, but adult fun and adult institutions are no place for the rug rats =P
@sid556 (30960)
• United States
5 May 08
I never even thought of taking my babies on such adventures. for us...those were nites out away from the kids. If we could not find or afford a sitter, we just stayed home. I could not ever justify spending the money that it costs to go to those types of events with a child too young to behave properly. I would not enjoy it because i'd forever be taking care of the child in a vain attempt to keep him/her from bothering others. it is not worth it. I once took a group of 8 year olds to the movie theater with my 2 year old....what a dumb choice that was. The 2 year old could not sit still or be quiet and the 8 year olds were not old enough to be left unattended for long. I spent the entire movie shuffling inside and out. It only happened once and I learned.
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
5 May 08
We don't go to movies anymore because we have a two year old. We have thought about taking her to a children's movie one day because she likes cartoons and there will be other kids there so it is usually kind of noisy anyway. We haven't braved it yet though. I wouldn't take her to a late movie that is geared for adults though. My daughter doesn't really have a bedtime. She keeps my hours, which are not the same as other people's. There is no way I want her in bed at 8:30 am and waking up bright and early in the morning! She stays up until 11 or midnight and sleeps until between 10:30 and 11 am. I stay up until 3 am because I have suffered from anxiety and insomnia my whole life. She sleeps the same amount as other kids, just at a different time. She usually takes one nap in the early evening as well.
@Malyck (3425)
• Australia
5 May 08
That's fair enough - everyone's lifestyles and habits are different, and fortunately at two years old, it doesn't really matter if you're awake for school/work etc =P Lucky ducks. Lol. I bet she'll have fun at a kid's movie - everyone else seems to =D (Except maybe the theatre cleaners) Thanks for your comment, and have a great day!
@Hatley (163776)
• Garden Grove, California
7 May 08
The movies and cinemas are no place for little kids so either get a babysitter or a family member to baby sit junior while you go to a movie or a play for your sake andthe sakes of other people who want to enjoy a movie or a play in peace and quiet.
@Malyck (3425)
• Australia
7 May 08
I agree with you, Hatley, thank you for your comment =D
@liquorice (3887)
4 May 08
I wouldn't take my two-year old to the cinema or the theatre at night as I know that she wouldn't be able to sit through even part of a production/film without getting bored and then making lots of noise and disturbing people. At the moment I'm foregoing these sorts of things (and not missing them too much). We do, however, take her to restaurants as a lot of restaurants welcome children, the food holds her attention for a while and then in most places it's ok for her to wander around a bit. Another thing is that I wouldn't take my daughter out anywhere past her bedtime as she'd just get crazy and I wouldn't want to inflict that on her, me or anyone else! I would've thought that most theatres and cinemas would (or should) have rules about whether young children can go in at night. It would certainly be in their interests to.
@Malyck (3425)
• Australia
5 May 08
It would be in their interests to have some sort of rules on young children at certain events/time-slots, just like television switches into "mature" viewings after a certain time in the night. A lot of venues seem to kick themselves in the butt, though, because they often offer free tickets to children under 5, so even if the parent knows that it's not appropriate for their children, or that their child can't behave, they take them long because it's cheaper than getting a sitter, you know? Although I'm just guessing with that one, but it seems plausible. Food certainly caught my attention when I was a little'n and never let go =P Thanks for your response! =D
@qtfrog99 (279)
• United States
4 May 08
I am a mother of a 20 month old baby boy and I wouldn't even think of taking him to the movies yet, he can't even sit on the couch and watch a complete movie at home, why would I bring him to the theatre? If you do want to take your kids to the theatre a matinee is probably the way to go. My son has a 8 o'clock bedtime so if we have any plans after 8 we need to find a sitter.
@Malyck (3425)
• Australia
5 May 08
How difficult is it to find a sitter where you live - in general and depending on the age/number of children? It's difficult where I live even to get a sitter for kids 5-10, as my boyfriend and I often become sitters for his mum when she wants to go out - she has a 7 and 9 year old. But you'd think it would be easier to find someone willing to look after less dependent children... who knows... I feel the same way as you: if they can't sit through a show or movie at home, what makes parents think that they'll be able to do so outside, especially when they're too young to have reactions to the movie/plot. Thanks for your response! =D
• United States
4 May 08
I have a 9 mth old and we pretty much take here everywhere with us. The only reason that we (me and my bf) have her tag along with us is that we live in a very small community and a good baby sitter, who can handle the job with her age is hard to find. There are good baby sitters around but they don't want to watch a child under 1 yr. There are times when we can get a relative to watch her for a few hours, but that is only if definately necessary. As to taking her to places that are not age appropriate, we try not to but if we do go somewhere with her and she starts to get fussy - then I will go to another room or outside to get her calmed down. I don't really think that it is the fact that parents take children to places that are not age appropriate, its the fact that alot of parents seem to think that children are like little dolls - to be seen and not heard, when the fact is that children are going to be heard and that some parents need to pay a little more attention to their kids.
@Malyck (3425)
• Australia
5 May 08
We have similar under-availability of baby-sitters in my area, although that's not a problem for my boyfriend and I seeing as though we don't have any, but we always end up being the sitters for his siblings, which gets a bit arduous at times. Especially seeing as though we don't get paid =P Lol, without us, a professional of some description would have to come in and take over. It sounds like you have the right attitude and understanding of what is "appropriate" with children, venues, timing etc. I hope you and your man love watching your little girl grow up! Thanks for your response!
@phoenix25 (1541)
• United States
15 May 08
I think a lot of it is people not having babysitters and not wanting that to completely stop their fun/social life. My husband and I have no immediate family in our area and have very few friends that can babysit. As a result, we never get to go see movies or go out and do adult things. Maybe once or twice a year. Imagine only getting out to do something without your kid once or twice a year and think about how stircrazy and insane you would probably go. That is my life. On the other hand, I don't really think it's good to bring kids to events that people have paid money to view. I would never bring my 4-year-old son to a play because I know he would probably not want to sit still and might make noise. I like to err on the side of caution, though. I always assume that my son will display the worst behavior possible in public. Sometimes I am right. With the movie theater thing, that is kind of a hard call. My husband wants to go see the new Indiana Jones movie in the theater and wants to bring my son because he thinks he would sit through it. I am not so sure and am hesitant to do so. If I did, I would probably either bring him to an early morning or late night show. As far as kids being up late, some kids have different sleep schedules than others and that usually coincides with the parents' sleep schedules. I can't really fault parents for that unless they are simply not allowing their children to get an adequate *amount* of sleep. My son stays up late compared to other kids, but so do his father and I. I also wake up a little later with him and everybody's happy.
• Abernathy, Texas
15 May 08
We're in the same boat - our family lives so far away in different states. No babysitters. Our baby goes to bed about eight then wakes up around 10 or eleven many nights. For now, its okay with me because my husband gets home around 12 am and gets to see the baby. Soon though he'll be working days.
@joyce959 (1559)
• Philippines
4 May 08
In the first place, babies should not be allowed in cinemas and theaters. These places are not proper and suitable for babies or kids 1 to 4 years old coz they could not withstand the long hours of watching the movie or play. The parents could have put the babies or kids in a playhouse where they could pay some fee for looking after their kids and have fun with other kids, so parents could go to see the movie or play they want to watch. I dont remember bringing along my kids before in the moviehouse when they were still young.
@Malyck (3425)
• Australia
4 May 08
I don't have children, but I know that my parents never did either. Although we were well-behaved even when we were young, my sister and I, but that's beside the point. The thing I can't fathom is that they brought their child out at a time I would assume that he/she would normally be in bed, considering the show starts at 8.30pm, so why bring out an over-tired, over-active and not really welcome child is what I want to know. Day time I could understand, but surely babysitters aren't so few and far between? =) Thanks for your response, Joyce!