How Watching Cartoons with my Child made me a Better Parent

I’m cuddled up on the couch with my six-year-old son to watch a new show that I’ve heard a lot of friends talking about. Classical music plays as the first scene opens to a family of cartoon dogs playing together in their living room. The dad is pretending to play piano, and then the bongos, on his two daughters while they squeal with laughter. What happens next can only be described as absolutely delightful mayhem. Bluey- the big sister- is not sharing with her little sister, causing conflict and frustration during the game. Eventually the sisters work out their conflict, ending the episode sitting contentedly together while Dad remains fully committed to his role in their silly game. It’s hilarious, meaningful, musical, playful, and magical all at once. We are immediately hooked. 

Over the course of our long summer break, my family has watched every episode of this Australian children’s show- appropriately named, Bluey. Even my teenager secretly admits that he likes it. Ever since my little one and I watched that first episode together, he frequently climbs into my lap and starts singing the tune that is played in that first scene. Without speaking, I understand what I’m meant to do, and I begin vigorously “playing” the tune out on his back, like a wiggly little keyboard. This show has brought the game of “Keepy-Uppy” into our house, a game called “Octopus”, as well as countless other small ways of adding more playful interactions into our daily life. 

Through Bluey, my kids and I were able to reconnect through the power of play. I found myself drawing inspiration from the episodes and was served with many reminders to be more aware of my tone of voice, my willingness to slow down and connect, and just generally enjoy more of the time I spend with my kids. 

As Bluey is gaining popularity in the US, reviewers and early childhood professionals alike are pointing out the significance of this show for today’s young families. It really seems to capture the essence of modern parenting. 

This idealized image of parenting can make some parents uncomfortable and possibly left feeling a little guilty as they watch the grown ups in Bluey’s world play and entertain their children in the most over-the-top and spectacular ways. But, it’s not all fun and games. Some storylines are genuinely touching and emotional. Particularly one episode where the mom, Chili, recounts intense worry and competition with other babies in Bluey’s playgroup, until a more experienced mom gives her a hug and a pep talk. The parents have to leave to go to work, or engage in hobbies, fix a toilet, or hang out with friends. Sometimes they’re a little impatient, too tired to play, or just bored. But they show us how to parent through the imperfection, empowering their littles ones in the process. 

If I could sum up a few of the key lessons for parents as demonstrated in the world of Bluey, here are a few of them: 

• You can be playful and fun, while still maintaining boundaries and structure for children. 
• Imaginative playtime is the best playtime, and doesn’t have to involve a lot of “stuff”. 
• Don’t be embarrassed about how your playful parenting looks to others. 
• Your children learn by practicing and working through problems on their own.
• Messes can always be cleaned up.
• Engage fully when you can. A brief moment of fully engaged play is far more connecting than a long period of distracted or rushed play. 
• Play is how children communicate and process their world. Play is the language of childhood. 

Bluey is trademarked by Ludo Studio Pty Ltd  . You can watch it in the US on Disney+