Untangling Inside Out 2: How to use this movie as an emotional conversation starter with your teenager?

Parenting a teenager can sometimes feel like navigating a maze of complex emotions. As your child grows, their emotional landscape becomes more intricate, making it harder to connect and communicate. Luckily, movies like Inside Out 2 offer a unique opportunity to bridge that gap. This animated film, like its predecessor, dives deep into the world of emotions, making it an ideal tool for sparking conversations about feelings with your teen. Establishing healthy communication with your children from an early age can be a transformative experience, deeply influencing how they perceive themselves and the world around them.

Here are some ways you can use Inside Out 2 to engage your teenager in meaningful discussions about their emotional experiences.

As a child psychologist, I believe in the importance of connecting before correcting. Creating opportunities for quality time with our children is a key way to open the door to meaningful communication and understanding. Prepare a comfortable environment where emotions can naturally come to the surface. Plan a family movie night to watch Inside Out 2 together. Make it a relaxed and enjoyable experience with your teen’s favorite snacks, and ensure that everyone is present in the moment, without distractions like phones or other devices.

After the credits roll, resist the urge to jump straight into the heavy stuff. Instead, ask your teen open-ended questions about the movie. Some examples include:

«What did you think of the way emotions were portrayed in the movie?»
«Did any of the characters remind you of your own feelings?»
«Which emotion do you think was most important for the main character?»
“Did any scenes resonate with something in your life?”

These questions are non-threatening and invite your teen to share their thoughts without feeling pressured. Let them take the lead in the conversation, offering your insights only when appropriate.

Remember to share some of your own thoughts and experiences while and after watching the movie, making sure to do so in a way that’s appropriate for your child’s age. When our children hear about the emotions and challenges that adults face, it helps normalize these feelings and makes them more comfortable opening up about their own.

One of the strengths of Inside Out 2 is its ability to make abstract emotions tangible. Use this to your advantage by relating scenes from the movie to real-life situations. For example:

«Remember how [character] felt when they had to make that tough decision? Have you ever felt like that?»
«The way the characters showed [specific emotion] was interesting. How do you think you handle that emotion in your own life?

This helps your teenager draw connections between the fictional world of the movie and their personal experiences, making it easier for them to express their own feelings.

If your child (and you) are struggling to express yourselves verbally, consider using art and play as alternative channels for communication that feel more authentic and natural. For instance, you can use jars and colors to label different emotions and invite them to share examples of times they’ve felt each way. You can also guide them towards more specific topics, such as, ‘Can you think of a moment today when you felt anxious at school?’ This approach allows them to explore their feelings in a creative and less pressured environment.

One of the key themes in Inside Out 2 is that emotions are complex and often mixed. It’s crucial for teenagers to understand that it’s normal to feel conflicting emotions simultaneously, especially during their developmental years. Discuss moments in the movie where characters felt more than one emotion at a time, and share examples from your own life when you’ve experienced something similar.

For instance, you might say, «I noticed that [character] felt both happy and sad at the same time when they made that choice. I’ve felt like that before when I had to say goodbye to someone I care about. Have you ever felt like that?»

Another special approach Inside Out does an excellent job at, is highlighting that all emotions have value, even the ones we tend to shy away from, like sadness, fear, or anger. Use this as an opportunity to discuss the importance of these emotions in your teen’s life. Ask questions like:

«Why do you think [emotion] was important for the characters?»
«How do you feel when you experience [specific emotion]? Do you find it hard to talk about?»

By addressing these “unpopular” emotions, you help your teenager understand that it’s okay to feel them and that they have a purpose in their emotional well-being.

Inside Out 2 is more than just an entertaining film; it’s a powerful tool for helping your teenager understand and express their emotions. By using the movie as a starting point for conversations, you can create a safe space where your teen feels comfortable discussing their feelings, leading to a deeper emotional connection between you. Remember, the goal isn’t to solve all their problems but to let them know that you’re there to support them, no matter what emotions they’re experiencing.

Talking about emotions isn’t a one-time event. You can revisit the themes in future conversations with your teen. Use it as a reference point when discussing challenges they face, reminding them of how the characters navigated their emotional journeys. This not only reinforces the lessons from the movie but also keeps the lines of communication open.

Finally, remember that your own emotional awareness sets the tone for these discussions. Share your feelings openly and model healthy emotional expression. When your teen sees you handling your emotions with maturity and empathy, they’re more likely to feel comfortable doing the same.

Noa Zelman is a licensed child development psychologist with over 10 years of experience helping families navigate the complexities of emotional development. Passionate about fostering healthy communication between parents and children, Noa believes that movies like Inside Out 2 can be a valuable tool in bridging the gap between generations and bringing us closer to positive mental health development.