{"id":201651,"date":"2024-07-02T15:32:09","date_gmt":"2024-07-02T15:32:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/?p=201651"},"modified":"2024-07-02T15:32:09","modified_gmt":"2024-07-02T15:32:09","slug":"parents-guide-inside-out-2","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.care.com\/c\/parents-guide-inside-out-2\/","title":{"rendered":"A parent\u2019s guide to ‘Inside Out 2’: What to know before seeing the movie with kids"},"content":{"rendered":"

“Inside Out 2,” the follow-up to Disney and Pixar’s beloved 2015 hit “Inside Out,” has dominated movie theaters since its release on June 14. It just topped $1 billion at the global box office<\/a>, making it the highest grossing film of 2024 so far, and many families can’t stop talking about its moving storyline, which follows a kid named Riley as she navigates new emotions that come with growing up, and the fun characters who personify those emotions, like Joy, who’s voiced by comedian and actress Amy Poehler. <\/p>

For elementary kids and tweens especially, the movie has proved to be an exceptionally great starting point for important conversations about anxiety and self-esteem. “These films are just such a great segue for talking about all the different kinds of feelings and really allowing for and normalizing them,” says Jenn Wert<\/a>, a parenting coach and educator who specializes in family relationships and communication. “They’re also a great peek into your kiddo’s sense of self and how they accept or reject their uncomfortable feelings.”<\/p>

Here’s what parents and caregivers can expect when they head out to see “Inside Out 2,” as well as expert advice for talking about the movie with kids of all ages.<\/p>

Warning: Light spoilers ahead.<\/em><\/p>

What is ‘Inside Out 2’ about?<\/strong><\/h2>

“Inside Out 2” follows Riley, the main character from the original 2015 film, as she turns 13 and faces new challenges related to friendships, personal goals and changing self-image. Riley is a star hockey player and can’t wait to try out for the high school team, along with her two best friends. But just as she’s about to embark on this new adventure, puberty hits and throws her life into disarray.<\/p>

Riley’s existing emotions — portrayed by characters named Joy, Sadness, Jealousy, Anger and Fear — are suddenly challenged by four brand new emotions: Embarrassment, Ennui, Envy and Anxiety. It isn’t long before Anxiety takes over and casts out all of Riley’s old emotions. Together, they must find a way to restore Riley’s sense of self before Anxiety permanently changes the core of who she is.<\/p>

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