Soul - The newest Pixar movie: How to discuss it with your children?

The new PIXAR movie Soul underscores the importance of living life in alignment with our aspirations and talents. Through telling the story of Joe, we are inspired to think of our own unique passions with sincere conviction. On another note, the movie highlights mindful presence in the here and now; living every single moment to its fullest while enjoying the simple pleasures in life; a leaf falling off a tree or a pepperoni pizza.  It is an invitation to curiously find out the “spark” that connects us to life. 
Joe, a middle-school band teacher whose life has not gone the way he expected is passionate about jazz. Although he is so good at it, his mother dissuades him from playing with a band. Instead, she encourages him to accept a teaching job to guarantee financial security. Joe’s heartwarming conviction drives him in a different direction. When Joe hangs between the two realms of life and death after an accident he meets another Soul that has yet to find her passion. Soul helps her to find her path back to life. As audience, we are inspired to awaken the dormant genies that make our heart sing.

Disney / Pixar through Deadline.com

A Child-Friendly Discussion of Soul
The movie depicts the afterlife abstractions which makes me recommend parental guidance especially if you have young children. Our perspectives as adults around life and death varies a lot especially that children may see things in black and white. Just make sure to be around to answer your children’s questions. Validate any potential anxiety and help them make sense of the abstract concepts. Whilst you want them to notice the positive message of pursuing one’s talents and dreams, it is also important to ground them in the practical application of such pursuit such as practice, and training. Reassure a sense of control by encouraging them to practice what they love and enjoy. Ask them about the things that they value and love. Encourage them to follow their passions with persistence by allocating daily tasks and schedules and connecting them to relevant community resources. Finally, make them realize that you have faith in them and their dreams and assure them of your support. Hopefully, this movie will encourage you and your family to open your hearts and minds to creativity and passion.