Best Chindren’s Shows and Films for Supporting Social-Emotional Strengths

Best Children’s Shows/Films for Supporting Social-Emotional Strengths.

Compiled by Dr. Diana Bermudez, LPC.

For those times when screen time is helpful (long car rides, long flights, sick days, etc.), we can make the most of it by selecting content that supports children’s social-emotional strengths. The following list of shows/films can help children to become more aware of feelings (aka emotional literacy), and to learn from role models of self-acceptance, courage, empathy, cooperation, diversity and conflict resolution.

Parents and professionals, let’s maximize the benefits of exposure to social-emotional strengths by:

  • Watching the shows/films along with the children.
  • Asking children about the lessons/moral about specific moments of the stories with a non-judgmental approach; that is accepting any point of view they have. This gives us honest info about how they feel and perceive events, so we can support them.
  • Sharing your own lessons/moral about specific moments of the stories, as one more point of view, not the “right point of view.” This adds to their perceptions without imposing.
  • Taking opportunities in every-day challenges to apply the lessons/morals learned.

Shows (Series of episodes)

Ages 3 to 5

Thomas the Train
Daniel Tiger
Bluey
Sesame Street
My Little Pony

Ages 6 to 11

Karma’s World
Carmen San Diego
Dream Productions
Win or Lose
Steven Universe

Films and Movies

Ages 3 to 5

Cars 1
The Good Dinosaur
The Wild Robot
My Little Pony: The Movie
Inside Out 1
Thomas and Friends: Hero of the Rails
Moana 1
Dr. Seuss’
The Sneetches
Frozen 1

Ages 6 to 11

Coco
Wall-E
The Iron Giant
Up
Inside Out 2
Turning Red
Moana 2
Lilo & Stitch
Frozen 2
Elemental

In addition, please see my list of recommended social-emotional books for ages 1-5, and ages 5-10. Enjoy!

Visit our Parent Resources section for complimentary self-help videos and handouts.