We had our first movie night in the spring this year and overall it was a success. The kids kid talk a little in borning parts of the movie, but for the most part, it was quite. We had the kids come in their pjs, with sleeping bags, lawn chairs, bean bags, etc so they were all sitting. I think that made a huge difference. Don't give up on the movie nights, I think for the right audience, they are really good.
I guess it just depends on your perspective. We held a family movie night and as at yours lots of kids did run around and not every parent disciplined their children as some would expect but overally the kids had a great time and we called it a success. They mom who ran it did an awesome job with the sanck bar...she had all the kids favorites (ring pops, sour works the whole bit for only 25 cents each. The kids were in their glory and it didn't cost us a thing. I feel like you can't really expect to go to a movie night at an Elementary school and have peace and quiet, with people attentively follwing the movie. Remember the primary goal is to bring the families together for an evening of fun. If they had a good time, it was a success.
We are planning our first movie night in June. We previously had a fun night with games (not carnival) and we did a different theme each year. We are able to show the movie outside and are going to have activities before the movie as well as dinner. Hopefully it will go well.
While I like the movie night idea, being social doesn't usually involve sitting still and not talking to people. I think you were successful. The kids probably had fun. But if the point is to get them together to bond, maybe a more active option would be better. Or at least a time to get the wiggles out.
As for complaints, well...everything is harder to do when it's new. That's why we often don't like change. I would just keep stating what the purpose was and how great it was that people came to try it out.
I just got back from our first annual Family Movie Night. I thought it was a success until we started the movie. There were so many kids that were running around (and not being disciplined by their parents) that it was making the rest of us crazy! We could not hardly watch the movie. I am pres. and REALLY, REALLY went out on a limb to change it from fun night (a carnival which was equally as crazy) to this-and now I feel like it was a flop! The food went well-and families did get together. But, how do I deal with the aftermath of complaining parents (I think there may just be a couple)? Also, I am thinking they will not give me a second chance at this-which I would LOVE so that we could fix what went wrong. HELP! Suggestions? Maybe another "fun" sort of family get together that we can do. We DO NOT do this as a fundraiser, just for families to get together. Thanks! Mind you, I am at a school that does not deal with change well-and I really feel we get stuck in a rut. Sock hop, maybe just a supper? I'm open to suggestions!
