Scramble goes to the movies: Inside Out 2

The original Inside Out – Disney/Pixar’s colorful exploration into the inner workings of the mind of a 12-year-old hockey player named Riley – was a big hit in our household. Not only was it funny and inventive, but it also gave kids a way to understand the big emotions of Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust.

‍Inside Out 2 continues the groundbreaking work of its predecessor (setting some box-office records along the way), by delving even deeper into the complex world of emotions. Riley, now 14, enters the turbulence of puberty and a host of new emotions. Of these new emotions, Anxiety looms large – a feeling which I’m sure many parents will relate to.

MAKING EMOTIONS RELATABLE

The great strength of both these films lies in their ability to make abstract concepts tangible. By giving emotions distinct personalities and roles, the Inside Out films help children recognize and articulate their own feelings.

So-called negative emotions (like Sadness and Anxiety) are also given their due. Inside Out made it clear that Sadness was a useful emotion by encouraging us Riley to find support from others. Similarly, in Inside Out 2, she learns Anxiety can be useful in anticipating future setbacks – but also how to work her way back when Anxiety goes too far and produces insomnia or panic attacks. The films do a great job of demonstrating the importance of balance in emotional health. As Riley navigates various challenges, she learns that experiencing a range of emotions is a natural part of life.

HELPING KIDS UNDERSTAND

Understanding emotions in this way can be particularly reassuring for children, helping them to feel more comfortable with their own emotional experiences. They can also understand that it's okay to feel a mix of emotions at any given time.

If you haven’t seen either film yet, we recommend them highly. Watch them with your child, and then take the opportunity to discuss them afterward. These films can spark meaningful conversations with your children about handling emotions and empathizing with others.

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