Taking little kids to the movies is always a gamble. You never know for sure if they’re going to be captivated by the on-screen action, ask a million questions using their “outside” voice, or squirm in their seats ready to make a break for the door. While there are no guarantees (and no refunds if you need to exit the movie early), here are some tips and tricks to better the odds that a family trip to the theater will go smoothly.

Age is just a number. Children reach different milestones at different times, so consider your child’s personality and temperament more than his age when deciding when to take him to his first movie. “The real question is how familiar is the child with large groups, how long can they sit still and be able to remain seated comfortably,” says Jonathan Pochyly, PhD, a pediatric psychologist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago. Parents should also consider whether or not a child is old enough to understand what is going on during the movie. No matter what age your child is, though; make sure you don't attempt to go to the movies during naptime or past his normal bedtime.

Do a test run. You can’t really replicate the setting of a movie theater, but watching movies at home first can help kids anticipate what it’s going to be like. It can also give parents an idea of what challenges there might be, says Pochyly. Ultimately, if your child has difficulty sitting through a movie at home, it’s probably wise to hold off on going to the theater for a little longer.

Take breaks. Even kids who are already in school might have trouble sitting still for an entire movie. “It can help to break the movie down into stages,” says Pochyly. “Tell them ahead of time that you’re going to get treats at a certain point, you’re going to go to the bathroom at a certain point, so they can anticipate it.” And don't bring a hungry child to the movies and then get them a bunch of candy—a tummy ache or a sugar buzz won’t set them up for success.

Choose the right movie. Knowing how your child reacts to movies and television shows at home is key to choosing the right movie at the theater. Some kids are more sensitive to sad or anxious moments than others, so getting the lowdown on a movie from other parents or movie websites like Fandango can help you make the right choice.

Have an exit strategy. Even with the best planning, sometimes kids are just going to get loud. Pochyly recommends sitting on an aisle so you can make an inconspicuous exit if you need to. Only attempt to return to your seat once your child has calmed down and understands they need to be quiet during the movie. Sometimes kids just have bad days, though, and it's OK if you need to try again another time.

Do your best to pave the way for success by being positive and anticipating that they will enjoy the movie and that everyone is going to have a good time. An upbeat attitude, plus some planning and anticipating, can make all the difference. And if all else fails, never underestimate the power of just a little bit of popcorn or candy distraction.