Yes, you do have to choose your battles, as we did. We were loose on some things, but on others there was absolutely no going past that point. Had 2 sisters who constantly griped that we kept our kids under our thumbs and they would never do that to their kids!! So you can tell whose kids went to jail...all of them, except mine wore the badges!!! (One's a school teacher though.)

They can spend the extra money if THEY have it. The entitlement aspectation of tots, and teens and virtually everyone else in this country is way over the top and somebody needs to stand up for - if You want it - You pay for it. Unfortunately, for a lot of us, there isn't that kind of splurging money all around. Myself ? I'd wait for the video and a fabulous sleepover!

Your daughter wants to be accepted by her friends. If she is willing to give up something for the chance to go to the new theater, then I'd take her and her friends. I'd be their chaperone, if the other parents weren't going. Maybe, she can work for 3-4 hours to pay the extra cost of the ticket. Just my thoughts. Eiltcoq.

I read this when you first posted, and thought about it long and hard. I looked back on my own life, and how I raised my children so completely differently. They both turned out to be wonderful adults, and I am extremely proud of both of them.

So, in answer to your question, I would let her go to the new theater, if all the others can go there too. To them this is a very special event, and it is since this will be the first showing of the last movie of HP.

Would like to know what you finally decide : )

Did they have a good time at the movie?

It didn't happen yet. She's counting down the days...

This too will pass

There are so many battles you can fight with your kids, pick the big important ones and don't sweat the small stuff, say yes to as much as you can and say no to the things that get them in trouble or put them at risk. If it is within your financial ability, i'd let her go to the theatre she chooses.

I only just tuned in. I loved your decision, with the "catch" to it. I haven't read the entire thread (but will, since it sounds like there are some interesting thoughts on the matter), so I don't know what's been said. So if I repeat someone, please excuse.

If it were just going to see a movie, I'd push for the lower-cost theater. But the final Harry Potter movie is a BIG deal for your daughter, and she wants to see it in the best possible place. It's like buying her a dress for a special event, as opposed to buying a school outfit - you splurge to get just the right one.

And in terms of perspective, yes, $12 is twice what $6 is, but on the other hand, it's not the $50 - $500 that a seat at a rock concert would be. You'd even pay more to take her to a symphony or ballet. $12 for a special night out? Really, it's reasonable.

About the snacks rule, that's been a rule since I was a kid. We used to sneak in candy, but buy popcorn. (Of course, that was when movie popcorn really was special.) I know theaters make their money on snacks, but prices are insanely ridiculous.