Taking a party of young children to the cinema can be a logistical nightmare. However if managed properly, it will be no different from any other treat – and it is always a joy to see young children enjoying themselves, as any Love Stories reader would attest.

If it’s a mixed age group, first satisfy yourself that the youngest and the eldest members stand a chance of having a good time at the movie proposed. It’s worth knowing that seeing a favourite again (and again) may be a positive attraction for the younger set. But the older ones are bound to appreciate a new release – indulged young creatures as many of them are.

Do recognise that kids who come armed with their own pocket money are highly likely to make a beeline for popcorn and soft drinks – literally the breath of movie-going for innumerable customers, irrespective of their generation. But this will leave those without the means at a disadvantage. One generous way round is to offer a basic bounty to each child as part of the party entertainment. If he or she wants to spend it in this way, fine. Don’t forget that buying your own supplies is usually held to be much more fun than having a grown-up doing the ordering.

Then, it’s sound practice for the adult host to ask the youngsters who they would like to sit next to before they file into their seats. Choices of closest companions may be as picky as at a diplomat’s banquet – and for much the same reason, as youngsters tend to have their own pecking order. Remind the group that you can’t guarantee the seating plan, however, as they may have to swap places in the event of finding themselves sitting behind someone whose height obscures the view.

Finally, some firmness regarding the matter of staying put (visits to the loo excepted, obviously) is no bad thing.

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