As much as I’d like to believe that my 11-year-old is still a little boy, he’s growing up. He’s eager to take on new responsibilities and venture out on his own with his friends, so I’m tasked with learning how to let go while fostering his independence in age-appropriate ways.

When my son asked if he could go see How to Train Your Dragon 2 with friends last summer, I had a few reservations. Would he behave responsibly in a movie theater? Could I trust him with a group of kids? How could I best ensure his safety?

When I sat down with my tween to discuss appropriate behavior in a theater environment, I found myself developing a series of rules that I then typed up and (don’t laugh) even made him sign.

Take a look at my family’s 6 rules for moviegoing without Mom and Dad:

1.     Picture it. While my son and I agree on the movie selection long before I ever drop him off at the theater, I know the lure of NC-17 or R-rated movies can be tempting. As a measure of parental precaution, I insist my son text me a picture of his movie ticket before entering the theater. Not only do I then have the assurance that he purchased the correct movie ticket, I know what theater number he’s in in the event of an emergency. Win-win!

2.     Courtesy counts: It’s disruptive to inch your way out of crowded theater rows, so take care of any snack or potty business before the theater fills up and settles in. Also, be sure to open noisy candy wrappers and silence your cell phone long before the lights go down.

3.     Act responsibly. Going to the movies without Mom and Dad is a privilege I’m happy to provide as long as my son conducts himself responsibly. By following basic movie etiquette and theater rules, he’s respecting the overall moviegoing experience.  

4.     Do not: run inside the theater, play musical theater chairs, rest your feet on the seat in front of you, throw popcorn or candy, blow spitballs, yell at the screen, use your cell phone, occupy more than one seat, or sneak into other theaters. Remember: I know what theater you’re in…

5.     Do: offer the armrest to a stranger, have fun, laugh at the funny parts, cry at the sad parts, root for the good guy, cheer at the end, and always, always dispose of your waste items upon exiting the theater.

6.     Once the movie is over: immediately unsilence your cell phone and exit the theater. Meet me at our designated location for pick-up.