Beyond clever!  Such a great idea, and, as any parent of a young child can tell you, it’s about time somebody thought of it! 

 So often when you have a child, you feel as if you have to give up doing some of the things you love.  Any parent will tell you it’s a worthwhile trade, but that doesn’t mean you don’t sometimes miss those things.  Now there’s at least one thing that parents won’t need to sacrifice . . . . sitting in a theater and watching a newly-released movie.  The Digiplex Rialto Theater of Westfield has begun new “Mommy & Me” digital cinema matinees every Wednesday.  And don’t be fooled by the name . . . . mothers, fathers, grandparents, babysitters,  and other caregivers are invited to bring their children for showings specially tailored to viewing movies with an infant in the next seat or on their lap. 

During these movie showings, the sound is lower to protect sensitive ears, the lights are just a bit brighter to avoid fear of the dark and allow for binkies and sippy cups to be located in bags , there’s valet “parking” for strollers in the lobby, and changing stations are located in the restrooms.

And it’s not just “kiddie movies.”  Each Wednesday Mommy & Me matinee will feature exactly the same movie choices as those that are playing that evening, but for a matinee price of $8.50 (children under two are free).  Doors open at 11:45 am with movies scheduled between 12:20 pm and 12:45 pm (check www.digiplexdest.com for exact times).  Parents don’t have to be embarrassed if a child starts to cry or fidget, and nursing is welcome.  It is an environment of a sympathetic audience who are all basically in the same boat. 

The Digiplex Rialto Theater is located at 250 East Broad Street in Westfield, N.J.  For more information: www.digiplexdest.com. Tel. 908 232 1288