As a mom of a 13-year-old, Inside Out 2 resonated with me in so many ways, especially when it comes to understanding anxiety in kids. I love how the movie introduces a new character representing anxiety, who appears during key moments when Riley feels overwhelmed, like before a big test or when navigating a social situation. These scenes give us a glimpse into how anxiety works, not just as fear, but as a signal that something important is happening internally.
For instance, there’s a scene where Riley is preparing to speak in front of her class, and her anxiety kicks in, causing her to feel panicked and unsure. Instead of simply telling her, “You’ll be fine,” the movie emphasizes the importance of acknowledging her feelings, which can make all the difference. As parents, we often want to reassure our kids, but sometimes, pausing to validate their emotions, saying, “I understand this is hard, let’s talk about it” can help ease the anxiety.
Outside the movie, anxiety shows up in many everyday moments for kids. For example, if your child is invited to a party where they don’t know many people, their nerves may present as complaints of a stomach ache or a reluctance to attend. Rather than brushing it off, saying, “It’s just a party, you’ll have fun,” it’s important to recognize the underlying anxiety and offer support, helping them feel heard and understood.
I totally understand this on a personal level, there are times when, as a parent, I’ve struggled with how to respond to these situations. Sometimes I don’t get it right in the moment, but I always try to reflect afterward and manage things better the next time. Believe me, there’s no such thing as perfection in parenting! We all make mistakes and have moments of frustration, but that’s okay. What matters is that we’re doing our best, learning, and growing alongside our kids.
Puberty also plays a huge role in Riley’s changing emotions throughout the movie, showing how anxiety becomes more frequent as she deals with the pressures of growing up. It’s a great reminder that this phase in a child’s life is challenging, and offering consistent support and compassion is key.
As a parent, I too struggle sometimes with finding the right words or actions, but Inside Out 2 offers a reminder that connecting with kids on their level is essential. Kids face real pressures, and it’s important that we listen to them, validate their feelings, and guide them as they build emotional resilience.
So, whether you’re a parent or an educator, Inside Out 2 provides valuable lessons on managing anxiety and supporting children through their emotional growth. It’s okay to make mistakes along the way; what matters is that we keep trying, reflecting, and learning.
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