This semester, anytime I had a long tough day, I found myself crawling into bed, and watching an episode of - that’s right - Phineas and Ferb.

You’re probably familiar with it in some way shape or form, but just in case you’re not, here’s a Phineas and Ferb crash course. It’s the Disney Channel Original show about two ambitious young boys who spend their summer inventing the most outrageous things they can think of, while their older sister Candace tries her utmost to get them in trouble with their mom. Meanwhile, their pet platypus Perry who is a secret agent fights against the evil Dr. Doofenshmirtz.

So yeah, it’s definitely not your ordinary show. That’s evident from the get-go with its wacky title. But there is more to Phineas and Ferb than meets the eye. In fact, it just might be the only kid’s show I’ve watched and thought: “Hey, I should show this to my kids some day.” Here are a few reasons why.

1. It teaches kids to be (pro)active.

Phineas and Ferb aren’t lazy, apathetic, or plugged in. They’re just the opposite. It is a sad truth that children are becoming more and more plugged into TV and other devices. I'm not overlooking those families who make a great effort to avoid this, but tell me you haven't seen kids on their parents' iPads or iPhones at restaurants.

Phineas and Ferb have hundreds of adventures outside, surrounded by friends. They build rollercoasters, surf tidal waves, and design robots, among many other things. It encourages kids to have an active imagination, and to be creative with those times they might be bored.

2. It shows kids how to go with the flow

Every time Phineas and Ferb make a new outrageous invention, their friends seem to simply accept it without question. The whole neighborhood joins into the fun and seem to enjoy themselves no matter what happens.

3. It deals with “blended” families

It may not be abundantly evident, but Phineas and Ferb are actually step brothers. Phineas and Candace’s mom married Ferb’s dad after her first marriage (who is British, by the way).

In the United States today, over 40% of Americans are part of so-called blended families, and the numbers are growing. This show gives kids an example of a family that has come together positively. There’s even a song about it: "Brother From Another Mother".

4. It demonstrates positive relationships

Not only does Phineas and Ferb show kids good family relationships, but it also demonstrates healthy friendships. Phineas and Ferb have three friends from the neighborhood: Buford, Isabella, and Baljeet. Not only is this group racially diverse, but its dynamic is unusually good.

Phineas and Ferb’s friends are always willing to go along with whatever they are building and doing. They support each other in everything. Phineas and Ferb often tailor their activities for the day to their friends’ needs. These relationships teach kids that it’s important to be supportive, compassionate, and flexible.

5. It has some very catchy toons

Besides its fast-paced, witty plot, Phineas and Ferb has a soundtrack that’ll knock your socks off. It includes songs like “Squirrels in My Pants” “Ducky Mo Mo” and “Bow Chicka Bow-wow” that have both extremely catchy melodies and spot-on lyrics.

So the moral of the story is, the genius behind Phineas and Ferb should be shared with the kids of our generation for its educational value and its undeniable appeal. And hey, why not try it out yourself? You might be surprised.