Inside Out

Inside Out is one of the cutest movies I've seen in a long time, and the timing for its release couldn't have been more perfect. I have been doing some research on how to help Tamia control her emotions. She is a wonderful child, but her feelings (like those of most preschoolers) get the best of her sometimes, and as a result, she loses control, and in turn, I lose patience. A "lose-lose" situation which proves that I too need help with my emotions. That's when a movie like Inside Out, a movie about feelings, becomes relevant.

Inside Out is really one of those movies that teaches more of a lesson to the parent than the child. And that lesson is that all feelings matter.  The movie helped me understand that trying to put on a strong face in an effort to avoid any unwanted emotions or feelings that make us uncomfortable or uneasy is actually unhealthy for everybody. It highlights that life brings us many experiences, both wanted and unwanted, and how we respond to those experiences is what makes us stronger. Our experiences teach us that our feelings matter. That in life, we have to acknowledge not only Joy, but feelings such as Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust as well. That our acceptance of these emotions allows us to become more balanced and makes way for more growth to occur.

I honestly can't believe that I was on the fence about taking Tamia to see this movie, but I'm glad I did. I learned some valuable lessons about parenting and about balancing emotions. And the movie really is well done. It is well thought out as well as well written. So, if you were wondering if going to see Pixar's latest phenomenon is worth your time and your dime, then I say yes. In fact, take the whole family, so everyone can get in touch with who they are inside out! Enjoy!

Books that I bought to help Tamia understand her emotions.

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