Browse YouTube comments for a few minutes, and it’s clear that one moment from Inside Out 2 stood out with parents.
“It’s like a defense technique that ends up tearing you apart.”
“Probably the best climax for a 21st century Disney film.”
“I FELT this so much.”
They’re all talking about the moment Riley, the movie’s main character, has a showdown with Anxiety. The first Inside Out movie, released in 2015, focused on basic emotions like sadness, joy, and anger. In the sequel, Riley, now 13 and entering high school, experiences new, more complex emotions.
That popular scene starts with Riley playing hockey and being sent to the penalty box after accidentally hitting a friend. She’d struggled to play well in the game because she felt such immense pressure to perform, and her thoughts started racing once she was off the ice. Anxiety becomes frantic and hijacks everything in Riley’s mind. None of the other emotions are able to help calm things down. The chaos only recedes after Joy, Riley’s optimistic emotion, convinces Anxiety to release control of Riley.
It’s a great reminder that our children’s emotions are multifaceted.
Childhood anxiety disorders impact around one in eight children, making Anxiety a familiar character in Inside Out 2. Parents everywhere have commented online about how that four-minute scene has sparked great conversations with their children.
Even if you haven’t seen the movie, you can still have those raw, honest conversations about emotions with your kids. For a deep dive, check out Episode 2 of the All Pro Dad Podcast. We become better parents when we create a safe space for kids to talk about things that bother them, including emotions like Riley’s. If you’re not sure where to begin, try with these questions:
- How do you feel when you’re worried about something?
- Can you tell me about a time you felt really scared or upset?
- What happens inside your body when you feel anxious?
- Is there anything you can do to help yourself feel calmer when you’re anxious?
- Do you ever feel like you can’t stop thinking about something?
- Do you ever feel like you need to do something over and over again to feel OK?
- Do you feel like you’re worried about too many things at once?
- Do you avoid certain places or situations because they make you feel anxious?
- Do you have any friends who feel the same way as you?
- How can I help you when you’re feeling anxious?
Your kids need to hear that it’s normal to feel anxious. Communicate with them openly. Our iMOM Feel Wheel can make this easier. Empathize with your kids and tell them they can always share their worries with you. Don’t be afraid to seek professional help for prolonged feelings of anxiety.
If you’ve seen the movie, tell us what you think!
