Hosting a regular family movie night at home;is a fun way to spend time together and perfect for creating long lasting childhood memories.
Whether it be a weekly or monthly occurrence for your family, these three important ingredients will help you to make the most of your home movie night.
1. Organise snacks
Popcorn or lollies? Potato chips or ice cream? Whatever your choice, snacks are an essential part of your family movie experience. We like popcorn, crispy M&Ms and potato chips in our house, though not necessarily all on the same night Here are some food and drinks ideas for your family movie date night…
• Popcorn
• Everyone’s favourite lollies
• Ice cream sundaes
• Banana splits
• Icy poles
• Frozen yoghurt
• Potato chips
• Dip and crackers (or vegetable sticks)
• Cheese platter
• Fruit salad
• Milkshakes
• Fruit smoothies
2. Make it comfy and cosy
In our house we like to all snuggle up on the couch. Depending on the size of your family and the age of your children, you might prefer to throw all of your couch cushions and pillows onto the floor to create a big, comfy nest to share. Add blankets and quilts in colder weather and pyjamas…whatever the weather! The pjs have the added advantage of making the transition to bed once the movie is over much easier for little ones.
3. Choose your movie
For a family movie experience the whole family can enjoy, you are going to need to choose a movie that is suitable for your youngest child to watch. As well as considering the age of your children, also think about their sensitivity to different emotional themes and any current fears, avoiding movies that you think they may be too sensitive to.
Look out for movies that explore shared interests or flicks from your own childhood that you think your children might enjoy. We have over 150 of the best family movies to help make the choice easier.
Christie Burnett is a teacher, presenter, writer and the mother of two. She created Childhood 101 as a place for teachers and parents to access engaging, high quality learning ideas.
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