LIST: Books, films, series that teach children about emotions and mental health

Helping children navigate their emotions and fostering good mental health habits from a young age is more important than ever. As kids grow and interact with the world around them, having tools to understand their feelings and those of others can lay a vital foundation for empathy and well-being.

Sometimes, the easiest and most effective way to kickstart these crucial conversations is through engaging stories. Picture books, animated films, and captivating series can offer relatable scenarios, showing children that it's perfectly normal to feel a wide spectrum of emotions, from pure excitement to sadness, anxiety, or even anger. Acknowledging these diverse feelings is the first step towards better mental health and developing compassion.

For a truly local touch, Adarna House's "Emotions Picture Book" series introduces Filipino emotions like *hiya* (shyness), *inip* (boredom), *sabik* (excitement), *kilig*, *gigil* (cute aggression), *sungit* (grumpy), and *pikon* (short-tempered). Written and illustrated by talented local authors and artists, these books not only help children name their feelings but also explore healthy ways to respond to them through their expressive covers.

Another unique Filipino offering is "Damdaman: Feelings in Filipino" by Jocelyn Francisco and Clarissa Tong, which creatively links emotions to nature. Combining the words *damdam* (feelings) and *halaman* (plants), it creates a "garden of emotions" from happiness to hunger. Inspired by the sensitive *makahiya* plant, this book teaches children that it's okay to react when overwhelmed, reminding them that feelings are as natural as the world around us.

Rainey Dolarte’s bilingual children's book, "Ang Mga Alon sa Amin" (The Waves in Us), provides comfort and guidance for young ones grappling with fear or loss. Through the poignant story of Mario, a Tagbanua boy from Palawan affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan), it gently encourages conversations about courage, healing, and growth, complete with expressive art activities to help children talk about their emotions and cope with stress.

The classic tale "Federico" by Palanca hall of famer Eugene Evasco champions empathy and understanding. Narrated from the perspective of his friend Buboy, the story of Federico, a child with Down syndrome, beautifully illustrates that every child feels, thinks, and expresses themselves uniquely, and that sensitivity and kindness are powerful sources of strength.

When it comes to animated films, Pixar truly shines with "Inside Out" (2015) and its sequel "Inside Out 2" (2024). These films brilliantly personify emotions like Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear, and Disgust within 11-year-old Riley's mind. The sequel expands on this by introducing new characters such as Anxiety, Ennui, Embarrassment, and Envy, providing an invaluable visual guide for young viewers to grasp the purpose of each feeling, especially during the tumultuous adolescent years.

Disney's "Encanto" (2021) goes beyond its catchy songs and vibrant animation to explore deeper themes of generational trauma, the pressures of people-pleasing, and the journey toward healing unspoken pain within the magical Madrigal family. It's a powerful reminder that even the strongest families benefit from open communication about what truly hurts.

"Turning Red" (2022) playfully captures the whirlwind of puberty through 13-year-old Mei Lee, who transforms into a giant red panda when her emotions run high. This heartwarming and fun film tackles self-discovery, navigating relationships, and the understanding that change, even the messy kind, is a perfectly natural part of growing up.

For younger audiences, the Emmy Kids Award-winning animated series "Bluey" is an absolute gem. Beloved for its adorable dog characters, Bluey and Bingo, it offers a genuine portrayal of childhood and parenthood. Each episode skillfully addresses common emotions like anxiety and disappointment through relatable everyday situations, making it a favorite for both kids and adults.

Netflix’s "Hilda" offers a more melancholic yet equally insightful journey into emotional maturity. As Hilda explores her enchanting world, the series delves into themes of loneliness, curiosity, and courage, encouraging young viewers to feel deeply and think critically about their own emotional landscapes.

Finally, for quick, impactful lessons, Lingokids' "Baby Bots Backyard Tales" delivers short episodes packed with life lessons. These educational cartoons help children explore common feelings such as loneliness, nervousness, and anger, and even teach them the importance of setting boundaries by saying "no" – all in a fun and engaging format.