As a fellow parent to a set of identical twin girls, I did a lot of research on shows you can watch with your kids without worrying about content.
If you’ve ever entered a room to the sound of high-pitched squeals, rapid Japanese dialogue, and a cacophony of vibrant visuals flashing across a TV screen, you might have wondered: “What in the world is my child watching?”
That, my friend, would be anime.
I remember the moment well, except where most parents would have a knee-jerk reaction and question the appropriateness of such visually intense and seemingly adult content for their young child, I was absolutely squealing out of joy. As an anime fan myself, I was just waiting to pass the torch to my six-year-old twins and the day finally came!
What is anime?
Anime, a term once exotic and now more or less a household word, refers to a style of animation that originated in Japan but has taken the world by storm. Its distinct visual language and often complex, layered storytelling make it a form that is as diverse as it is specific.
If you’ve only dipped your toes into the vast ocean of anime or are still standing on the shoreline, unsure whether to wade in, you might be under the misconception that anime equals loud, flashy cartoons with hyper-stylized characters, often treading into adult themes. But hold on to your preconceived notions for a second. While that description may fit some anime, it’s not the whole picture, especially when it comes to kids.
Anime spans the gamut, from shows designed specifically for toddlers to mature content more suitable for adults, and everything in between. Not all anime series are peppered with violence, death, or nudity, elements that can sometimes startle the uninitiated due to cultural differences between Japan and the West. In fact, there is a vast array of anime content that is not only child-friendly but can provide multiple benefits to young viewers.
Letting your child venture into the world of anime can open the doors to a new culture, spark creativity, foster friendships, deal with significant themes, and even help them hone their reading skills. Plus, if you’re up for a bit of parental bonding, you might just find yourself pulled into the captivating world of anime alongside your child. For example, Spy X Family is my household’s comfort show, and we all watch it together. You might be surprised at the appreciation you develop for this colorful, lively, and profound art form. I wouldn’t steer you wrong.