Teachable moments can come from a wide variety of sources, including other parents. From time to time parents write blogs for us that we think you will find interesting, useful, or entertaining. Please enjoy this post from a fellow parent. 

I couldn’t wait for the release of the new Pixar movie Inside Out, I love a good kid movie. In fact, most of my family finds joy in the simple pleasure of most cartoon flicks. So, last weekend my husband, myself, my two kids (5- and 7-year-olds), my 13-year-old nephew and even my parents hit the movie theater. Before the movie even started, we got to enjoy the Pixar short film entitled Lava, a love story between two volcanoes. Sounds bizarre, right? But, between the catchy song and the adorable graphics, we were all smiling through the entire clip and it was a great way to set the tone.

The actual move, just like the other Disney Pixar movie, did not disappoint. The characters were memorable, the design and graphics were amazing and I loved the overall story. The storyline did a great job of reminding parents what kids are thinking and what they are “feeling.” And they did it in such an adorable way. Everyone had his or her favorite movie moments. I remember my 5-year-old son laughing out loud when the feeling Anger got so mad that fire spurred erupted out the top of his head. My 7-year-old daughter was really drawn to the feeling Joy; she loved her swirly dress; she also loved the ending. I loved what the movie referred to as core memories, those key memories in your life that make you who you are. The memories you never forget. I also enjoyed the subtle adult humor that was incorporated. I found myself laughing out loud a few times too … and, yes, just like most Pixar movies, I found myself crying at the end; I wasn’t the only one.

As a parent, I could definitely relate to those times when you are dealing with something pretty big (in this case moving across the country) and you forget the effect it might have on your kids. We sometimes have unrealistic expectations on how we think kids should just handle it — move on or even get over it. But this movie reminds us that kids don’t work that way; little things are actually big things to them. We need to listen to them, hear their fears, concerns, joys and troubles and help them through them. Make them feel good about themselves. Remind them daily, hourly, every minute that they are loved!

So, if you haven’t already gone, I highly recommend this movie. It is great for all ages; even my teenage nephew enjoyed it.