Because They Support Emotional & Social Development in Ways Everyday Play Sometimes Can’t
When we talk about toddlers and screen time, the conversation is usually framed around limits, risks, and what not to do.
But child psychologists and early-years specialists often take a more nuanced view: not all screen time is the same.
Some films — when chosen carefully and watched intentionally — can support a child’s emotional and social development by helping them recognise feelings, understand relationships, and make sense of the world around them.
These aren’t “educational” in the traditional sense.
They don’t drill numbers or letters.
Instead, they support something just as important in the early years: emotional understanding.
Below are five films commonly recommended by child development professionals — and why the order matters.
Why Movies Can Support Emotional Development
Toddlers experience big feelings long before they have the language to explain them.
Stories told through film allow children to:
- See emotions played out safely
- Recognise fear, joy, sadness, anger and excitement
- Observe relationships, reassurance and repair
- Build empathy by seeing the world through someone else’s eyes
For some children — especially those who are sensitive, anxious, or neurodivergent — stories can reach emotional understanding in a way direct instruction sometimes can’t.
The 5 Movies (And What They Support)
1. Inside Out
This film does something remarkable: it makes emotions visible.
Joy, Sadness, Fear, Anger and Disgust are shown as normal parts of a child’s inner world — not problems to eliminate.
For toddlers, this helps lay the foundations of emotional literacy.
They may not yet say “I feel overwhelmed”, but they begin to recognise that feelings come and go — and that all emotions have a purpose.
Supports:
- Emotional awareness
- Self-regulation
- Understanding that feelings are not “bad”
2. Finding Nemo
At its heart, this is a story about attachment, fear, and trust.
Children watch a parent struggle with anxiety, a child explore independence, and both learn that safety and courage can exist together.
For toddlers, this gently introduces ideas around:
- Separation and reunion
- Reassurance
- Resilience after fear
Supports:
- Secure attachment
- Emotional reassurance
- Perseverance
3. Moana
Moana doesn’t wait to be rescued. She listens to herself.
Toddlers don’t process this as a “message”, but they absorb the emotional tone: trying, failing, continuing, trusting inner instincts.
This is especially valuable for children who doubt themselves or feel anxious about new situations.
Supports:
- Confidence
- Identity
- Courage without pressure
4. Zootopia
Zootopia introduces big themes — difference, bias, fairness — in a way young children can access emotionally.
Rather than lecturing, it shows:
- Assumptions being challenged
- Friendship across difference
- The impact of being misunderstood
For toddlers, this supports early empathy and social awareness.
Supports:
- Empathy
- Acceptance
- Social understanding
5. Encanto
Encanto resonates strongly with many families because it explores belonging, pressure, and being valued for who you are — not just what you can do.
Even very young children pick up on:
- Family dynamics
- Emotional support
- Uniqueness within a group
For neurodivergent children especially, this can feel quietly affirming.
Supports:
- Sense of belonging
- Emotional safety
- Self-worth
This Isn’t About “More Screen Time”
It’s important to be clear:
This isn’t about increasing screen time or replacing play, interaction, or real-world experiences.
Instead, it’s about being intentional.
When watched calmly, with an adult nearby, and talked about afterwards — even briefly — these films can support emotional development in ways that feel natural and safe.
For many children, stories help make sense of feelings that are otherwise overwhelming.
A Final Word for Parents
If your child struggles with big emotions, anxiety, or social understanding — you’re not doing anything wrong.
Emotional development is not linear.
Some children need more support, more reassurance, and more time.
Tools like stories and films don’t replace parenting — but they can support it.
And sometimes, the right story at the right time helps a child understand themselves just a little bit more.
If you’re navigating emotional, behavioural or school-related challenges with your child, AskEllie exists to support you.
You’re very welcome to come by and see us at AskEllie.co.uk — you’re not alone in this.
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