Let me set the scene – its family movie night. The popcorn is popped. Everyone is in their pajamas and gathered in the family room… when mom or dad picks out a movie the kids start complaining.
So you come up with a new family plan of on certain days/weeks, a certain kid picks out the movie – ‘it’s his/her night to pick’ kind of thing. But the other one feels left out or isn’t interested and ends up in a different room doing something else unrelated and you lose the feel of it being a family activity.
This is how we do it at the doitandhow.com household:
Mom &/or Dad picks out 5 or 6 appropriate movies. Kid # 1 narrows the field to 3. Kid #2 gets final pick. (adjust for your number of kids). We’ve found that with this way: everyone gets a choice, feels included and stays interested.
We’ve also employed this for outings where we need to choose a fast food place… Mom/Dad gives the options that are in the area we’re traveling. Kid #1 narrows the choice, and Kid #2 picks. Keep in mind “Kid #1” doesn’t always have to be the oldest – maybe he/she is the pickiest… maybe it’s different every time. As long as we cut down on the arguing, Momma is happy!
Give it a try! Let me know if this works out for your family, add a comment below. Or share your family’s way of avoiding ‘movie madness’!!
Do It And How 