I’ve watched Inside Out 2 several times and can’t stop discussing its teachable moments with everyone, incorporating them into my roles as a parent, teacher and counsellor. We can all learn and take something to apply from this film.

Navigating your child’s emotional landscape can be a challenging yet rewarding journey. I understand the complexities that come with different developmental stages. Whether your child is a toddler, preteen, or teenager, one of the most valuable tools we can offer them is emotional literacy—the ability to recognise, understand and manage their emotions.

Inside Out 2 provides a beautiful framework for discussing emotional literacy with your children. I highly recommend watching it with your child(ren). Here are some of the many key lessons from the film that can help you support your child’s emotional development:

All emotions are welcome: Emphasise that all emotions—joy, sadness, anger, and more—are valid and play a role in our emotional wellbeing. Encourage your child to express feelings openly, without judgement, helping them understand that emotions are a natural part of life, not something to be feared or suppressed. 

Emotional literacy is key: It’s important to understand and name emotions. Help your child build an emotional vocabulary by discussing different feelings and what they mean. For example, you can use moments from the film to talk about how Joy represents happiness and excitement, while Sadness can signify a need for comfort and reflection. By naming their emotions, children can better understand and manage them.

Emotions are interconnected: The film illustrates how emotions are interconnected and can influence each other. Teach your child that it’s normal for emotions to overlap and change. This understanding can help them navigate complex feelings and reduce the fear of experiencing difficult emotions. 

The role of sadness: Sadness is important in our emotional lives. While we often strive to protect our children from feeling sad, it’s essential to recognise that Sadness can lead to growth and empathy. Encourage your child to embrace their sadness and see it as an opportunity for self-reflection and connection with others.

Creating a safe space: Create an environment where your child feels safe to express their emotions. This means being an active listener and validating their feelings. Avoid dismissing their emotions or offering immediate solutions. Sometimes, being there and acknowledging their experience is enough to help them feel understood and supported.

Modelling emotional literacy: You play a crucial role in modelling emotional literacy. Share your own feelings and how you manage them. This openness shows them it's okay to experience complex emotions and helps them develop their own strategies. You might say, “I felt really frustrated today, so I took a walk to clear my mind. What healthy ways do you manage your frustrations?” 

Seek help when needed: Encourage your child to seek help when struggling with emotions. The hardest and most brave thing we can do is to ask for help; it can also provide a huge relief to be heard and have someone listen!

I know navigating your child’s emotions is a journey that requires patience, understanding and open communication. As parents, we don’t always get it right – we don’t have to strive for perfection. Acknowledge ‘losing it’ and apologise when you do; it’s huge for our children to see that parents make mistakes, too, but we can move on. By embracing the lessons from Inside Out 2, you can help your child develop emotional literacy and create a foundation for emotional wellbeing that will serve them throughout their lives to understand themselves better and navigate big feelings when they come.