NEW, September 2024: Bluey is now the most watched show in America! Details here.
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As a dad definitely not seedy after a great night out and too little sleep, the sight is heartwarming. Right? Right?
Now, what if your best mate on four legs – who now only looks at you as a traitor – could talk, laugh, and teach a thing or two about modern parenting?
(Ironically, my son is watching a loud and very irritating Minecraft video on YouTube Kids as I write this…)
Welcome to the world of Bluey, where you’ll initially curse Bandit for setting the dad bar so high – but eventually look to him as, well, a role model of your own.
Thankfully, Bandit’s got plenty of real-life ‘right in the berries’ dad moments we can sympathise with, so let’s start with some evidence…
Now, onto the lessons to be learned from the most well-scripted fictional dad you can actually take some tips from!
Bold and Blue
Parenting from a pooch’s perspective.
This homegrown Aussie series is a treasure trove of life lessons masked in playful dialogues and whimsical animation. Bluey is a heeler pup that navigates everyday adventures with her younger sister, Bingo, and their imaginative play resonates with the boundless curiosity of our own kiddos.
As an aside, I also find it quite clever that the show stars two young girls instead of the classic brother and sister combination, and that the Heelers are a ‘mixed race‘ family – Bandit being a blue heeler and Chili, the mum, being a red heeler. (We needn’t get into breeds and so forth, but I like the representation!)
MORE: TV review – Bluey!
MORE: Bluey makes Top 100 Sitcoms list in Rolling Stone
Parental Ponderings
Thoughtful narratives for the adulting audience.
Bluey isn’t just child’s play. Critics have praised it as a “particular representation of contemporary parenting,” shedding light on the nuanced family dynamics often going unnoticed amidst our daily hustle.
The show mirrors the highs and lows of parenthood, with episodes exploring themes of patience, empathy, and the quintessence of quality family time.
Learning and Laughing
A dose of humour with heartfelt messages.
The humour isn’t lost on the adults, with some seriously genius dialogues that’ll have dads chuckling along. You’ll have loads of “oh god that’s me” moments – good and bad!
It’s a shared laughter, a moment of connection between parent and child, as the show bridges generational gaps with its universal appeal.
Artistic Allure
Every frame a painting, every dialogue a lesson.
The artistry in Bluey is incredible, with every episode presenting a visual and narrative feast. It seems simplistic at first, but the more you watch, the more you become aware of the thought and genius that goes into the scenes and backdrops. And the drawing episodes, like ‘Dragon’ above, are amazing!
Tuning In Together
Shared screen time, cherished memories.
The magic of Bluey lies in its ability to foster a shared viewing experience, creating a space for meaningful interactions between parents and kids. It’s not just about passive consumption but engaging discussions post-episode on the little life lessons learnt.
The characters are relatable, the stories engaging, and the humour just right for a light-hearted family watch. The possibilities are endless when it comes to the positive impact of Bluey on our parenting journey.
So, why not join the Bluey bandwagon? It’s a bark worth listening to, filled with laughs, learning, and lots of love. Your kiddos will thank you, and who knows, you might just pick up a parenting tip or two from a playful pup. Now, that’s a tail-wagging proposition!
Hell, you can even happily watch it on your own, and you might find it’s good for you. I love this quote from a Washington Post story:
“A lot of the adults we hear from who watch ‘Bluey’ and don’t have their own kids to relate it to say they get home from a mad stressful day at work, and it’s just seven minutes of uplift.”
Mary Bolling, the co-host of the “Bluey”-centric Gotta Be Done podcast.
MORE READING
Washington Post: ‘The children’s show ‘Bluey’ is a balm for stressed, child-free adults‘
Reddit: Do any parents feel like watching Bluey has helped them?
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