I’ve been in my Experiences Over Things era for about three years now. You know the one—where I convince myself that core memories are better than toys with missing pieces. And if you’ve been following along, you already know: some of these experiences are wins… and some are very humbling lessons learned.

Enter: The Nutcracker Ballet.

Taking my seven- and five-year-old to the Nutcracker was, without question, a lesson learned.

Because due to scheduling conflicts, we missed the kids’ version of the ballet. And in a moment of optimism (delusion?), I thought, How much harder can the full version be?

Wrong. So very wrong.

And let me be clear—it wasn’t just the kids. My husband was emotionally done with the dancing by the first intermission. Sir had reached his limit of grand jetés and pirouettes and was ready to go.

Lesson number two: I bought seats pretty high up. In my opinion? Great view. Stunning, even. In my son’s opinion? A sudden and previously undisclosed fear of heights. So I spent the first ten minutes of the show whispering affirmations like, You are safe. We are not falling. This is not a roller coaster.

Growth.

Now, things I actually did right? As soon as we entered the theater—about twenty minutes before curtain—I immediately purchased each child a wildly overpriced box of Sour Patch Kids and secured mommy a cocktail (double shot). This was not for enjoyment only. This was a strategic bribe to get them to smile for the photo. And honestly? Worth every penny.

The show itself? Fantastic. The dancers were insanely talented, the stagehands seamless, the costumes dreamy, and the orchestra? Phenomenal. A true feast for the senses.

Will I do this again? Absolutely. But maybe next time it’ll be a mom’s night out situation. Or we’ll try the kids’ version again next year. Because despite the chaos, I truly believe that theater is a form of art exposure our kids need—and one they’ll remember for life.

I’ll end this with two things. First, a gentle nod to theater etiquette with kids (bless us all). And second, I am so glad we read Nutcracker books beforehand so the kids weren’t completely lost. My daughter even said that next year she wants to stay for the entire show to watch all the dancers instead of leaving at intermission.

And honestly? That’s a WIN.

Here are my Top TEN Theater Etiquette Tips When Attending With Kids—because culture and manners can coexist:

1. Prep Them Like It’s the Premiere
   Read the book, watch a short clip, explain the story, and set expectations before you arrive. Knowing what’s happening on stage dramatically reduces whispered questions like, “Why is he dancing like that?”
2. Snacks Are Strategic, Not Optional
   If snacks are allowed, bring (or buy) quiet, non-crinkly, non-sticky options. This is not the time for wrappers that sound like a drum solo. Candy should enhance the experience—not announce your presence.
3. Practice the Art of the Whisper
   Theater voices are for the stage, not the seats. Teach kids that questions and comments should be whispered—or saved for intermission. Bonus points if they master the dramatic lean-in whisper.
4. Know Your Exit Plan
   If a child gets overwhelmed, restless, or emotional, step out quickly and calmly. There is zero shame in a graceful exit—consider it part of the performance choreography.
5. Leaving Early Is Not a Failure
   Staying through the whole show is the goal, not the requirement. If you make it to intermission (or beyond), that’s a win. The memory matters more than perfection.
6. Arrive Early (Very Early)
   Rushing into your seat mid-performance is stressful for everyone involved—especially the people whose knees you’re bumping. Early arrival allows time for bathrooms, snacks, seat settling, and calming any sudden emotional revelations (fear of heights, chandeliers, or violins).
7. Bathroom Breaks Are Not an Emergency… Until They Are
   Make a pre-show bathroom stop mandatory, even if they “don’t have to go.” Trust me. Intermission is your friend—use it wisely.
8. Hands Stay to Themselves
   The balcony railing is not playground equipment. Seats are for sitting, not spinning, climbing, or interpretive dance. A quick reminder beforehand goes a long way.
9. Phones Are Not Part of the Performance
   No videos, no photos, no glowing screens. This includes games, texting grandma updates, or checking how much longer the show is. The only thing lit up should be the stage.
10. Model the Behavior You Expect
    Kids notice everything. If you’re engaged, respectful, and present, they’re more likely to follow suit. Theater etiquette starts with us—cocktail in hand and all.

Because raising cultured kids is a marathon, not a matinee.

Always Have, Always Will ~ Kalie