Secret Life of Walter Mitty

This is a fantastic movie for you to move forward as a caregiver and for your child to push through their anxiety. The character goes from feeling anxiety and stagnation to freedom through ACTION.

If you only have time for one scene

Question to ask your child: If you could do something to improve your life and have less fear, what would it be?

Question to ask yourself: Which anxiety-producing event should I help support my child through rather than avoid?

Inside Out and Inside Out 2

Obviously. You’ve probably seen it a million times already. Because they really are the best. Watch this next to your kid and open up the conversation about what they’ve been feeling!

If you only have time for one scene

Question to ask your child: What are the negative feelings you struggle with and when do they happen?

Question to ask yourself: How much am I allowing space for grief, loss, and pain like the character Sadness or am I simply trying to move past the bad and point to the good?

Watch Without Your Kid

8th Grade

Easily the BEST movie for understanding teen’s experiences with devices and social media. It’s a little older now, but the principals are similar. It will be the best 1 hour and 29 minutes you could spend this year in understanding your child as a digital native. See also The Social Dilemma.

If you only have time for one scene

Question to ask your child: What is it like to be your age?

Question to ask yourself: What is one action you can take today to better understand your child’s experience growing up in this day and age?

Beautiful Boy

An excellent movie to remind you of the importance of your role as a caregiver. Based on a true story, the movie addresses the difficulty of navigating addiction and family relationships. It’s on the heavier side and the older teen to young adult side.

If you only have time for one scene

Question to ask your child: What do you think/know about substance use and addiction?

Question to ask yourself: Do you realize that you are the most important person on the entire planet to your child?

Stutz

Jonah Hill’s journey with mental health through interviewing his therapist. This offers excellent visuals and strategies for both you and your child to navigate life’s pain, uncertainty, and work.

If you only have time for one scene

Question to ask your child: What is the next pearl to put on the string?

Question to ask yourself: How can I encourage my child toward resilience rather than deficits?

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