I'll be honest with you. Until this summer I was totally unaware of KPop. But in the course of one unexpected afternoon, I realised KPop isn't niche at all. It is mainstream, vibrant, and central to the lives of countless young people and their families. And it reminded me of a core truth in my work: pop culture is the most democratic of mediums. Youth culture is the heartbeat of so many children and teenagers. It is their language, their way of making meaning, of feeling seen and heard.

My Neighbor Totoro beautifully illustrates the importance of play and presence in helping children navigate big emotions.