Creating a Family Movie Night Tradition
The long, cold Winter season is the perfect time to establish a family movie night tradition.
Here are some tips and ideas on how to start a family movie night even if siblings are of different ages and have diverse interests.
Planning a Family Movie Night in Four Steps
Set the date and time in stone based on family’s schedule and developmental needs (eg. once a week on Saturday at 2pm OR once every two weeks on a Friday at 5pm etc.)
Choose any other rhythms, rituals & traditions you want to create or foster at this time (eg. PJs and a bath before playing the film, pizza night, enjoying a big bowl of popcorn together etc.)
Figure out how everyone will transition from the movie back to reality after the movie night (Eg. Will you go for a walk? Have only one book? Move on to prepping dinner together as a family? etc.)
Start and keep a “saved” list of movies on your streaming app(s) whenever you come across a film you think would be suitable for the entire family save it!
Six Benefits of a Family Movie Night Tradition
allows practice of delayed gratification
carves out a scheduled time together on a regular basis
sparks family discussions on a wide range of subjects from stereotypes to global warming
provides an opportunity to teach elements of a story (characters, plot, conflict, climax and resolution)
teaches children (and adults) about experiences outside of their own perspectives
provides opportunities to share emotional experiences & name feelings
provides a change in the regular dinner/bedtime routine and a much needed break for parents
Our Top Five Favourite Family Movies for Ages 6+
1. My Neighbour Totoro
2. Madagascar
3. Encanto
4. Moana
5. Frozen 1 & 2
Runners Up for Ages 6+
Raya the Last Dragon
Inside Out
Ice Age
Yes Day
Zootopia
Ballerina
Hamilton
Favourite Documentaries
My Octopus Teacher
A Beautiful Planet
Biggest Little Farm
Wing’s of Life
Films for Extra Sensitive Little Ones and Children Ages 4-6
The Little Bear Movie
Room on a Broom
Stickman
Ponyo
The difference between a routine and a rhythm is RITUAL.
What are the little things that make a tradition or a routine special and unique to your family?
Our family movie night essentials are
popcorn
hot cocoa + marshmallows
cosy PJs
a soft blanket
Finally, we could not plan a successful, tear-free family movie night without the Common Sense Media website website to help us choose a movie we will all love.
What are some of the rituals that make your movie nights special? What are some of your favourite movies? Share them below with the community!
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