Ep 4. My Mother

The episode titled "My Mother" of Kodomo No Jikan season 1 is a heart-touching story that portrays the bond between a mother and her child. The episode begins with Rin Kokonoe, a third-grader, struggling to concentrate in class as she recalls a memory of her mother getting married to another man. Rin's mother had been a single parent, raising Rin all by herself. However, Rin's mother decides to remarry, which makes Rin feel neglected and left alone.

Throughout the episode, the audience can see the turmoil that Rin goes through as she tries to come to terms with her mother's decision to get remarried. Rin often spirals into a deep sense of loneliness, and the episode projects Rin desperately trying to seek her mother's attention. The episode covers a series of events such as: Rin visiting her mother's house to convince her to cancel the marriage, Rin's mother trying to connect with her daughter and make her feel loved, Rin's mother explaining her reasons for remarrying, and finally, Rin confiding in her teacher, Daisuke Aoki.

Despite the significant age gap between Rin and Aoki, the episode also unfolds a tender bond shared between them. On several occasions, Rin tries to act mature in front of Aoki, even calling him by his first name, and throughout the episode, Aoki acts as a strong support system for Rin. He tries to understand Rin's situation and patiently listens to her whenever she tries to confide in him.

"My Mother" episode of Kodomo No Jikan is an emotional rollercoaster that depicts the consequences of divorce and remarriage on a child's psyche. It portrays the hardships that children go through as they come to terms with their parents' separation. The episode also highlights the differences in the mindset of a child and an adult, depicting how children hold onto their parents more tightly and rely on them largely for their emotional stability.

Overall, the episode is a beautiful rendition of a child's tender emotions towards their family and the struggle they go through when there is a significant change in their lives. The episode ends on a positive note, where Rin's mother acknowledges her daughter's feelings and assures her that they will always be together as a family, irrespective of the remarriage. The episode teaches the importance of communication between parents and children, the significance of understanding a child's emotions, and how support from teachers and mentors can help a child struggling with emotional turmoil.