Encourage children to talk about how they feel physically when they experience big emotions.There are several “talks” that parents must eventually have with their children, and two of the most important—and most daunting—are discussions about mental health and death. These conversations are crucial and must happen sooner or later, with sooner typically being the better option. However, finding the right words or the right moment to initiate these conversations with a child can feel overwhelming.
However,"Turning Red" provides an excellent opportunity to discuss mental health with children. Its focus on strong emotions and their effects creates a relatable and visually engaging metaphor for the intense emotions that children often feel but struggle to express. From here, you can guide the conversation toward understanding how death is a confusing and sad part of life, but one that we should not be scared to think or talk about. You can explain that it is natural to feel a mix of emotions when someone we love passes away and that it is OK to talk about those feelings.