The Silver Screen Issues

Yesterday evening I went to watch a really disappointing remake of Footloose at the cinema with two of my siblings and their partners.  Besides from having extremely annoying guys sitting behind me whose ideal job would be Sports Commentators, as well as the movie sucking big time, there was one other thing I want to complain about.

This cinema in particular provides booster seats for children - that is something pretty awesome.  Back in my day, we used to have to balance on the folded-up seat and try not to fall off it in order to be able to get a better view of the screen.  The one thing this cinema does not provide, is a nappy changer.

At first I  thought that it could be located in the disabled toilets, so I checked. Nope, no luck there.

Now I understand people rolling their eyes and thinking that a movie theatre is no place for babies. Fair enough.  Potty training can start as early as when the child is 18 months of age.  However, you still find 2 or 3 year olds in nappies when out/  Potty training is messy and a lot of parents don't want to risk accidents happening when out and about.

There is no minimum age limit to go to a cinema.  After all, movies marked as Universal are appropriate for all ages.  Why shouldn't a toddler be taken to a cinema? If they can sit still through a movie, why not?  I just feel that a nappy changing facility would be appropriate to have if you're trying to have a young target audience amongst your clientele.

This is no place for children!

Before getting pregnant, I was one of those people who would grumble if I happen to be anywhere public - like a restaurant or cafeteria - which features a screaming baby/toddler. "This is no place for a child. Why don't they get someone to babysit? Or check in advance whether it is a child-friendly environment?" I'd say to whoever happens to be with me.

I'm sure the majority - or at least, a fair number - would have checked in advance - had they had the opportunity to do so.  I have yet to see on a website any mention of whether the restaurant/cafe' is child-friendly or not [excluding places such as McDonald's/Burger King where one takes these things for granted].  Making a "quick phone call" might be  the last thing the parent[s] find time for - considering how demanding children can be, and how many things said parent needs to remember to juggle.  Also, sometimes, you just want to go some place with the child. Or, a baby sitter is not an option [due to lack of contacts/funds/pick-up and drop-off arrangements].

You don't really look out for ramps that will make entrance with a pushchair/pram easier, or baby changers, or high chairs, unless you're either pregnant, or have children of your own.  I've been trying to keep track of which places have the aforementioned facilities, and which don't.  Needless to say, I'm failing as I have become rather forgetful. Perhaps, I should start writing these things down [if I remember].

My suggestion to the catering/entertainment establishments is this:
Put it in writing. Any child-related facilities existing in your establishment should be promoted on your websites. It will be good for business - both in setting all customers' expectations, as well as attracting new business.

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