Anonymous wrote:OP here. The responses that said, bsaically, treat the experience as being with him rather than watching a movie -- that seems like the right answer. But also the hardest one for me to actually do.
As for the pause button, it breaks the spell.
I feel you, OP. And I want to say that I see so many people not realizing they are effectively shutting their kid up in situations like this - and the risk you run is shutting him up in general. Consider movie time with your son to be time with your son, and let it unfold how it will. . .pay attention to what he's saying & engage. You have to meet older kids where they are, in what they enjoy. You won't regret it. You can always watch movies on your own in silence to your heart's content when he's not at home.