A Mom’s Guide to Anime: Shows For Every Generation

August 23, 2021

The world of parenthood is a magical, beautiful and often challenging place. It has its highs and its lows, similar to the world of anime. Of course, that’s without the magical outfit changes. Wouldn’t that make getting ready in the morning so much easier?

As a single parent to an 11-year-old son, I sometimes use anime as a way to connect with him. Anime is something we mutually enjoy and is a great medium to discuss subjects without the pressure of feeling too serious. The aim of A Mom’s Guide to Anime is to use anime to help you navigate the world of parenthood.

This month’s focus: Anime for every generation. Anime creates a wonderful bridge for bonding between parent and child, but as you and your children get older, you might wonder, “How long will anime be helpful?” And the answer is…as long as you need it to be!

Anime doesn’t just have to be a useful tool for a specific time in your life, it can be something you simply sit and enjoy whenever, because you’re never too young or old to find the right anime for you.

This month, we’re taking a look at some anime that is perfect for every generation, whether you’re a longtime classics fan or new to the wonderful world of anime. Of course, as always, you are the parent and you know your kids best!

Bananya

Look, let me explain. Bananya is a shorts series about the secret life of kitties…who live in bananas. Hold on, I’m not done. The concept and style might seem like it appeals more to a younger generation, but there’s plenty here for all ages.

The mischievous kittens get into adorable shenanigans that will certainly make you laugh, and with every episode being bite-sized, no moment is wasted.

Look, we all have a favorite complex, deep series with plenty of characters and seasons, but sometimes it’s nice to just enjoy some sweet and straightforward comedy to make you smile. Think of Bananya as your anime snack that you or your family can enjoy!

Watch Bananya on Funimation!

Kimi ni Todoke -From Me to You-

There’s nothing more timeless than a good love story, and Kimi ni Todoke -From Me to You- might just be one of the best.

The series follows Sawako Kuronuma, who hasn’t always had it easy, mostly because her name and appearance resembles the evil Sadako from the film, The Ring. Of course, teens being teens, they make up rumors that she’s terrible and scary.

But when the most popular boy in school, Shota Kazehaya, starts talking to her, we’re brought into just the cutest love story that isn’t all that cheesy. Instead, we get what feels like a very real and very healthy relationship, where the two communicate their feelings and enjoy spending time with one another.

You’re never too old for love, and you’ll never be too old to check out Kimi ni Todoke -From Me to You-. It’s also a great starter anime to talk to your kids about relationships!

Watch Kimi ni Todoke -From Me to You- on Funimation!

ISEKAI QUARTET

OK, I know what you’re thinking: “Yali, another cute anime? What happened to trust?” But seriously, stick with me, because this ambitious crossover is absolutely worth your time.

In ISEKAI QUARTET, the biggest names in isekai all attend the same high school, bringing together a cast from series like The Rising of the Shield Hero, OVERLORD and KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! This series parodies the many tropes of the genre for a unique viewing experience.

RELATED: ISEKAI QUARTET Movie Brings Hilarity to the Silver Screen in 2022

These chibi characters interact with each other and face off against their greatest foes—tests! The anime offers older fans a chance to see some of their favorite characters in a new light, while offering an approachable take for some younger fans. And doesn’t everyone have a fun story about their school days?

Watch ISEKAI QUARTET on Funimation!

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Everybody is talking about Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and it will no doubt be a series we talk about for years to come. Not only a powerhouse from its first foray into anime, it also has a blockbuster movie under its belt! This series is packed with an exciting story, lovable characters and breathtaking visuals.

Plus, doesn’t “Gurenge” make you want to hunt demons yourself? Or save them like Tanjiro would! Yes, this series does have a lot of blood, but with a careful eye, this can be an action-packed series enjoyed by you and your teens!

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is packed with teachable moments about empathy, compassion, integrity and kindness, and it’s absolutely worth your watch.

Watch Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba on Funimation!

Toilet-bound Hanako-kun

Don’t let the name fool you—this supernatural series is unique, adorable and exciting all at the same time! It follows Nene Yashiro, a first-year high schooler at Kamome Academy. And as many teenage girls do, she wishes for her high school crush, Teru, to like her. Been there.

Anyways, things don’t exactly go to plan. Instead, Nene summons a spirit to make her wish come true, and wishes don’t come cheap. Here we meet Hanako-kun, who binds his soul to Nene’s and makes her his assistant! Now, it’s up to Nene to help Hanako-kun defeat evil spirits to maintain the balance between the spirit world and the human world.

It’s partly slice of life anime, sure, but this series also has some impressive mysteries and a touch of horror. Toilet-bound Hanako-kun is a suprisingly feel-good series that will certainly bring you joy for a long time, or at least until you pay off your debt to Hanako-kun.

Watch Toilet-bound Hanako-kun on Funimation!

And that does it for this month on A Mom’s Guide to Anime. Remember, you’re never too old to enjoy anime, and I hope this list gave you some timeless recommendations to keep coming back to.

As always, stay safe and happy parenting. I’ll see you next month!