The movie Inside Out by Pixar provides an opportunity to normalize a range of emotions that kids (and adults!) may experience especially when life is difficult. Inside Out follows a young girl named Riley as she experiences a range of emotions through change and stress. You learn about joy, sadness, fear, anger and disgust. Inside Out was created for school-age children, but all ages can enjoy and appreciate the movie. This guide was originally developed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic; however, it contains a broad list of questions to ask your child that promote conversations about emotions or responding to trying circumstances. Scenes with questions that specifically relate to COVID-19 are denoted with a virus-exclamation icon ( ) next to the question. You can pause the movie at certain points to discuss as many questions as you choose, or you can wait until after the movie to prompt your child with questions about their experience. Questions and activities range in complexity and are generally for ages 5 to 14. However, you are the expert on your child and know which questions or activities are best suited to their age and maturity level. The purpose of watching Inside Out is to have fun together and discuss some of the emotions they are experiencing related to the current life changes.
In response to the global COVID-19 pandemic, this podcast will bring personal stories of front line staff and families impacted by COVID-19. Our diverse guests will be invited to share their story of being on the front line, and in combination to their story, two expressive art therapists will provide art and creative activities that will support the challenges the individual and their family is facing. These could include ideas for short relaxation techniques to be done on the front line, creative ways to explain in kid friendly terms what is happening, ways to stay connected to family and children during long periods of isolation, etc. Throughout the podcast, conversation will include mental health insight related to the pandemic, anxiety and stress, grief and loss, resiliency, coping skills, and understanding the pandemic. The nonprofit Playing to Live's history began in 2014 as a grassroots program focused on bringing play and creativity in the midst of the Ebola deadly viruses. Following our work in Ebola, we have continued our work as advocates and creators for play and expression across the globe in refugee settings, post war countries, and in the United States of America. Available wherever you listen to your podcasts, including Stitcher.
Playing to Live is also available for consultancies to support COVID-19 in the public health and mental health and psychosocial support (MHPSS) spaces.