Review of "Inside Out 2" from a Mom and Mental Health Counselor Perspective

I recently had the pleasure of watching "Inside Out 2" with my two children, aged 8 and 3. This sequel does a phenomenal job of continuing the conversation about emotions that the first film started, and it provides even more depth into the complexities of our children's inner worlds.

Impact of Anxiety on Kids' Mental Health

One of the standout themes in "Inside Out 2" is anxiety. The movie sensitively portrays how anxiety can affect children, offering a glimpse into the overwhelming and sometimes confusing experience of feeling anxious. My 8-year-old could relate to the character's struggles, which opened up a great dialogue between us about his own feelings and experiences with anxiety.

The film illustrates how anxiety can influence other emotions. For instance, the character Fear plays a significant role, showing how anxiety often partners with fear to protect us but can also become overwhelming. This portrayal is accurate and relatable, helping children understand that anxiety is a normal emotion that everyone experiences and that it can be managed.

Other Emotions Addressed in the Movie

"Inside Out 2" also dives into other emotions, such as joy, sadness, anger, and disgust, expanding on the original film's groundwork. Each emotion is given space to show its value and necessity in our emotional repertoire. For example, Sadness is again highlighted as a critical emotion for processing grief and fostering empathy.

Advice for Parents

As parents, it's crucial to understand and validate our children's emotions. Here are some key takeaways from "Inside Out 2" that can help:

1. Recognize and Validate Emotions: The movie shows the importance of acknowledging all emotions, even the unpleasant ones. Validating your child's feelings can help them feel understood and supported.

2. Teach Emotional Regulation: Helping children learn to manage their emotions is a vital skill. The movie can be a great starting point for discussions about how to cope with overwhelming feelings, like anxiety or anger, in healthy ways.

3. Encourage Open Communication: After watching the film, encourage your children to talk about their feelings. This can help them articulate their emotions and feel more in control.

4. Model Healthy Emotional Expression: Children learn by watching us. Demonstrating how to handle your own emotions calmly and effectively provides a powerful example for your kids.

5. Seek Professional Help When Needed: If your child's anxiety or other emotional issues seem overwhelming, don't hesitate to seek help from a professional. Therapy can provide tools and strategies to manage emotions healthily and productively.

Conclusion

"Inside Out 2" is a must-see for families. It beautifully illustrates the complexities of emotions, especially anxiety, and provides a platform for meaningful conversations between parents and children. As both a mom and a therapist, I appreciate how the film makes it easier to talk about these critical issues, helping our children understand and navigate their emotions more effectively.