Building Emotional Intelligence Through Film: Must-Watch Movies for Kids

Understanding emotions and developing emotional intelligence are vital skills for children's growth and development. Movies can be a powerful tool to spark discussions between parents and children, teach valuable lessons about emotions, and how to cope with them. Age recommendations by raisingchildren.net.au. Here are 4 OT-approved must-watch movies for kids:

"Inside Out" (2015) Rated PG

Set in the mind of an 11-year-old girl named Riley, this Pixar gem personifies her emotions—Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger, and Disgust—as characters navigating her life's challenges. "Inside Out" vividly illustrates the complexity of emotions, teaching kids that it's okay to feel different emotions and the importance of acknowledging and understanding them. Citing the American Psychological Association, movies like "Inside Out" aid children in recognizing and understanding emotions, fostering emotional literacy from an early age. Recommended for children ages 9+.

"The Lion King" (1994) Rated PG

Beyond its stunning animation and memorable songs, "The Lion King" delves into themes of loss, grief, and self-discovery. It encourages kids to confront their emotions, understand the cycle of life, and navigate challenging situations with courage and compassion. Studies from the American Academy of Pediatrics emphasize the importance of media in discussing emotions with children, making "The Lion King" an impactful conversation starter. Recommended for children ages 10+.

"Wonder" (2017) Rated R 

"Wonder" tells the story of a boy with a physical disability facing the challenges of fitting in at a new school. The main message of “Wonder” is to look beneath the surface and accept others based on their character. Emotions explored include empathy, acceptance, kindness, inclusion, bullying, and self-esteem. Recommended for children ages 8-13.

"Big Hero 6" (2014) Rated PG 

This action-packed film revolves around a young robotics prodigy and his inflatable robot companion, Baymax. Amidst thrilling adventures, "Big Hero 6" subtly explores grief, friendship, and healing. It showcases the importance of emotional support and expressing feelings in times of distress. Recommended for children ages 10+.

From a pediatric occupational therapy standpoint, movies with an emotional theme offer multifaceted benefits for:

• Communication: Movies that parents, teachers, and therapists watch together with children serve as great conversation starters to encourage open communication about emotions and relate them to real-life experiences.

• Emotion Identification: They help children recognize and label different emotions, which in turn helps children identify their own emotions.

• Empathy and Social Skills: By showcasing characters' emotional experiences, these films encourage empathy and understanding of others' feelings.

• Coping Strategies: Using the characters as models, kids can learn about healthy ways to

  cope with emotions and challenges.