We're happy to present this article by Betsy Bozdech from one of our favorite sites, Common Sense Media [1].

Families are flocking to Disney Pixar's latest animated adventure, Inside Out [2], and many of them are leaving with a lot to think — and talk — about. The movie raises many big issues related to feelings, growing up, expressing yourself, and communicating with the people who love you, all of which are really important for parents and kids to discuss after the credits roll. Try these topics/questions to get started:

• Why is it hard for Riley to tell her parents how she's feeling? Is it OK for them to ask her to be their "happy girl"? How does that make her feel when she's not in a particularly joyful state of mind? Have you ever felt like you had to feel a certain way to please someone else? Is that fair?
• What does it mean to have "mixed emotions" about something? How do all of our different feelings relate to each other? Can you have joy without sadness? Why is it important to feel a range of emotions?
• Some of the movie's scenes are sad and scary. Is it OK for a kids' movie to not be cheerful and silly all the time? How much scary stuff can young kids handle?
• What problem does Riley think running away will fix? Why is she wrong? What could have happened to her if she'd gone through with her plan? Parents, talk to your kids about why Riley's idea — and how she went about trying to accomplish it — is not an example to follow.
• What do you think your own emotions might look and talk like? What about those of your friends and family members? Ask kids to draw what they think might be going on inside their own head.

More great reads on Common Sense Media:
5 Tips for Your Kid's First Trip to the Movies [3]
Watch Out! 70+ Movies You (Might) Regret Showing Your Kids [4]
Disney Pixar Movies We Love [5]