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Family Traditions: From Movie Night with Mother to Parenting Lessons

February 06, 2025Film2698
From Movie Night with Mother to Parenting Lessons: Unforgettable Exper

From Movie Night with Mother to Parenting Lessons: Unforgettable Experiences

As a long-time movie enthusiast, I love the thrill of the big screen, the compelling storylines, and the emotional crescendo that brings me and millions of others to the theater. However, my journey with going to the movies as a parent has evolved significantly since my marriage and the arrival of my children.

Nurturing Movie Daughters: Early Encounters with the Big Screen

With my sons, nursing them soon after birth played a crucial role in our first trips to the movie theater. I remember their serene presence during showings, which was a delightful surprise. My children’s first movie experiences didn't come until they were about 2-and-a-half years old. One of my most cherished memories is accompanying my oldest son to a screening of Disney’s 1937 “Snow White,” and my youngest to the 1992 version of “Aladdin.” I always chose movies I knew would capture their curiosity, and I was prepared to leave if necessary, though it turned out we never had to.

Mother's Love and Movie Traditions

My mother’s passion for movies resonated strongly with me and my siblings. Born on a Saturday, she returned home the very next day, and her spirit was captured in the movie-watching sessions we shared. On Sundays, she used to watch Hindi movies on Doordarshan at 4 PM, and even at a young age, I would watch intently, marveling at the stories and characters. After a turbulent separation from my abusive father, she had to take up the responsibility of raising three children alone. Movies became a respite for her, but she couldn’t always indulge in them due to finances.

Despite these challenges, my mother managed to hold onto our shared love for cinema. She would sneak me and my brother into movies by buying two tickets for us and letting my sister and I sneak in. We were so excited to sit two to a seat and have the youngest on her lap. This practice continued until we were older and it became impossible to continue. One day, my mother asked me in confidence if I could keep a secret and go with her for a movie. This marked the beginning of our exclusive movie nights.

The End of My Little Secret

Our secret movie nights created a strong bond, but it was shattered one day when I had a fight with my sister about who my mother loved more. My sister accused me of having a secret movie night, which prompted my brother to reveal that he and my mother had such nights too. This betrayal was devastating, and it took a while to recover. My mother, ever the strategist, began allowing each child to choose and attend movies with her individually. This process has continued through the years, with her now even checking with me every Friday to see which new movie has released so she can book it.

Now, as my mother ages, our movie nights are filled with nostalgia and laughter as she reflects on the past and looks forward to the newest releases. These moments have taught me invaluable lessons about family, love, and the power of shared experiences.

One thing my mother shared was a funny anecdote: when I met my potential husband's cousins, they said with amusement, "Varun (my name) has only one criterion for watching movies, and that is any release will do." This joke brings back memories of our family’s unique and unforgettable moments.