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Going to the movies is a favorite pass-time for many families, however, many families that have children with food allergies tend to avoid the movie theatre altogether. With a few steps taken to reduce the risk of exposure in the theatre setting, it is possible. |
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Plan Ahead
· Avoid grand openings of a movie. Openings for a new movie are often heavily attended. Most movies run in theatres for a couple of weeks, so wait a few days with its more likely there will be less traffic at the theatre.
Go during the week day
· Movie theatres often see less traffic during the weekday especially if the movie has been running for a while. Attend a showing that occurs late afternoon or early evening. Avoid weekend matinees for a newly released movie as these are often heavily attended by families with young children, who often are messy eaters.
Arrive early
· Arrive early to select your seats. You’ll want an aisle seat for your child at best. Or, if there are a few of you going together, your child can sit between parents. Still you will want the last seats in a row closest to the aisle.
Clean your seat
· Bring hand wipes to thoroughly wipe down your child’s seat, or you can purchase seat covers from PlaneSheets that work perfectly with movie theatre seats.
Bring your own snacks
· While most all theatres forbid outside food coming into their theatre, most will allow you to provide your own snacks when you explain your child’s food allergies. Often, no one even notices if you do. However, many theatres do now have snacks that work to accommodate their patrons with dietary issues. Avoid the obvious and read the labels. Unsure about the popcorn? Pop your own before you leave your home.
Always remember your child’s meds
· As we know well, accidental exposure can occur anywhere and anytime, remember to always have your child’s medications on hand.
Going to the movies can be an opportunity to teach your child.
· Taking your child to the movies creates normalcy. It can also be a time to educate your child on what steps can be taken to reduce their risk of exposure and still attend a good movie.
Now relax and enjoy the movie and the family time!
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