Inside Out 2: Lessons on Emotional Wellbeing for All Ages

Over the holidays, my kids and I had the pleasure of watching Inside Out 2. To be completely honest, I think I might have been more excited than they were! The original Inside Out made a big impact on how we view emotions and the sequel did not disappoint.

As a parent, I find it incredibly rewarding when movies like this dive into such meaningful topics—especially for younger audiences. Understanding and managing emotions is something we all deal with, and this film managed to portray these themes in such an engaging and relatable way.

The ability to express and navigate emotions is essential for personal growth, mental health and well-being. It’s empowering for children (and adults!) to know that it’s okay to feel all kinds of emotions and that each one has its place and purpose. After watching the movie, I reflected on some key takeaways which I want to share them with you.

Here are 5 important lessons I learned from Inside Out 2:

1. All Emotions Are Valid

One of the biggest lessons is that every emotion we feel—whether it’s joy, sadness, anger, fear or even anxiety—is valid. Each emotion serves a purpose. For example, Joy helps us appreciate the good moments in life, while Sadness allows us to process loss and seek comfort. In Inside Out 2, we see anxiety take control for a moment, which is a great reminder that emotions can sometimes feel overwhelming. But acknowledging all emotions, even the ones we label as “negative,” is important. They don’t define us, but they can guide us to better understand ourselves.

2. Self-Talk Matters

The movie also subtly reminds us of the importance of how we talk to ourselves. Often, unpleasant experiences form negative beliefs like “I’m not good enough” or “I’m stupid,” which can then feed into our internal dialogue. If we aren’t careful, this negative self-talk can shape our reality. By consciously reframing those thoughts and shifting our self-talk to more empowering phrases, we can replace those old beliefs with healthier, more supportive ones.

3. Navigating Change

Change is inevitable, but it’s also something that many of us find difficult to navigate. Inside Out 2 does a great job of showing how emotions react when things start to change—whether it’s a new school, new friendships or the growing pains of adolescence. It’s okay to feel uncertain or anxious about change. These emotions are part of growth, and they challenge us to discover new things about ourselves. The key is to focus on what we can control rather than letting fear of the unknown paralyze us.

4. The Power of Friendships

Friendships are a central theme in the movie and it’s a beautiful reminder of how essential connection is to our emotional well-being. Being around people who lift us up, support us and allow us to be ourselves is a powerful thing. It’s draining to pretend to be someone you’re not, just to fit in. Authentic friendships boost our self-esteem and give us the confidence to face life’s challenges. Surrounding ourselves with the right people can make all the difference in how we navigate our emotional landscape.

5. Self-Acceptance Is Key

Lastly, one of the most profound lessons from the movie is the importance of self-acceptance. We often feel the pressure to be perfect or to hide the parts of ourselves we think aren’t good enough. But the reality is that embracing both our strengths and our weaknesses brings us peace and confidence. We are all dealing with our own unique set of emotions and struggles, and the sooner we accept ourselves for who we are, the sooner we can find happiness.

Final Thoughts: Emotional Wellbeing for All

Inside Out 2 isn’t just a movie for kids. It’s a reminder for all of us about the power of emotions and the importance of emotional well-being. It’s okay to feel deeply, to express vulnerability and to seek support when needed.

Have you had the chance to watch the movie? If not, I highly recommend you do because as an adult and parent it has changed my perspective and relation with emotions massively.