Why It’s Important:

Today’s world is busy and everyone in your household has a hectic schedule. A pre-planned movie night can give your family something to look forward to at the end of a long week as well as being a great excuse to spend some well needed time together. Taking time to have a regular family movie night with your children, even if it is only once a month, can help you create fun memories you’re your kids. Think about it... you're not only spending fun, quality time with them, but you are also creating a bonding and learning experience for everyone in the house.

Make it a tradition that your kids will remember long into adulthood.

Getting Started:

Whatever movie you choose, make it an event in your household. Planning your movie night ahead of time can make a huge difference in how successful your movie night ends up. Try picking a night a week in advance and get everyone involved in the planning. Yup that’s right! Make sure that your kids contribute to planning the big night… It will make them feel even more excited to dim the lights.

Picking The Movie:

Picking the right movie for your entire family can be a the biggest challenge for the event. If you have young children and toddlers then your movie choices are going to be very different then if you have teens. If there is a wide range of ages in the household it can be a little more difficult to pick out a film for everyone but don’t worry there are tons of films out there. Of course only you can decide what is appropriate for your family given what ages your children are.

Consider A Theme:

Every once in a while consider creating a theme for your movie night... You can picks snacks and food that matches the theme of the movie!

Food Ideas:

Family movie food and snacks are a must have for your night in. Make sure that dinner is light and easy so everyone has room for some snacks when it’s time to put the movie in. If mom is not in the mood to cook… take-out is always an excellent option. Prior to pressing play prepare all of the food for your big night and get everything set up in the living room. Try getting the kids involved in every aspect including: picking the food, preparing and setting the food stations up.

*For some fun family movie night recipes click here!

Set The Scene:

Get everyone to pitch in and turn your living room into a dim room with plenty of comfy cushions on the floor. Throw in a couple of blankets and pillows and you are ready to go.

Schedule An Intermission:

It can be a long night and some little guys have little bladders! Half way through make sure you hit the pause button and give everyone a chance to fill up their glasses and take a potty break.