Bluey is an animated television series that tugs at children’s and adults’ hearts. The fun and imaginative adventures attract kids who want to binge-watch the show for hours. Even parents who watch the series recognize and quickly appreciate the family dynamics highlighted throughout the series and the lessons each episode teaches.
The TV series has become such an international phenomenon that “Bluey adult fans” groups have popped up on Facebook with hundreds of thousands of followers.
Not only is the show funny, but many Bluey episodes showcase poignant parental challenges and the lessons behind each, offering the rare opportunity where a children’s TV show often teaches parents important lessons that can help them when raising their children.
Some parents claim Bandit and Chilli represent an idyllic parental unit that sets unreal expectations, but I prefer to lean into their lessons by showcasing the fundamental lessons about parenting the show highlights, often with playfulness and compassion.
As a mom of 3, I resonate with the parental challenges that Bluey portrays in its episodes. Sometimes I wonder if I am parenting my children correctly. This endearing children’s series reminds moms and dads that parenting doesn’t come with a manual, and sometimes you just need to go with the flow.
Baby Race (Season 2, Episode 47)
Moms are the most naturally worried about ensuring their child meets their milestones on time. Chilli tells the story to Bluey and Bingo in “Baby Race” about how Bluey was a late walker. She beats herself up, feeling like she had done something wrong because the other little ones at Mum’s group were walking before Bluey did. Chilli eventually learned that she should let Bluey “run her race” instead of overworrying about when and how those key milestones would be reached.
The Parental Challenge Faced In “Baby Race”
Comparing when your child reaches certain milestones to other children’s achievements is counterproductive. Work collaboratively with your child to continue improving their skills; they will achieve those milestones in time. I was a late walker at 18 months. When my three children hit age 1, I was so concerned they would be late walkers like me. To my surprise, my eldest daughter started walking at 14 months, my one and only son at 12 months, and my youngest daughter also started walking at 12 months. Rather than hyper-focusing on the time frame, I guided each of my children in their learning-to-walk journeys with excitement and patience.
Sleepytime (Season 2, Episode 9)
Bingo attempts to sleep independently in “Sleepytime”. The dream simulation throughout the episode is endearing while showcasing coming-of-age themes for toddlers transitioning into young children. Bingo returns to her bed after sleepwalking to Mum and Dad’s bed. Chilli comforts Bingo back to sleep. The symbolism of the sun being mum’s warmth is something all mothers will smile about.
The Parental Challenge Faced In “Sleepytime”
Sleep training children takes patience and persistence, with the right balance of comforting and letting them handle falling asleep independently. As children grow, gentle pats on the back, extra bedtime stories, and relaxing music can soothe them before bedtime. Eventually, they will learn to self-soothe without these extras. Chilli’s gentle reminder to Bingo—“Just do your best. And remember, I’m always here if you need me” is a poignant moment resonating with parents in the trenches of sleep training.
Sticky Gecko (Season 2, Episode 12)
“Sticky Gecko” highlights the shenanigans that ensue with Bluey, Bingo, and Chilli while a purple gecko stays stuck to the ceiling. Bingo wants to wait for it to come off the ceiling naturally. Chilli gets impatient and tries using Chattermax to get it off. Chilli constantly reminds Bingo to brush her teeth, only to be distracted by wanting to put on her skates.
The Parental Challenge Faced In “Sticky Gecko”
Every parent’s worst nightmare is dealing with constant hindrances while getting out the door for an outing, errand, or taking the kids to school. Moms and dads will succeed in getting out the door by preparing the items they need in advance and gently reminding children to stay on task as they get ready to go.
While it’s super chaotic at times to get all three of my children ready to go, I have a few best practices:
- No electronics on school mornings.
- I set out all of our outfits the night before.
- My eldest, who can dress herself, cannot do any other activities until she has gotten dressed, brushed her hair, and put on her shoes and jacket.
- Everyone sits in the living room waiting for me to prepare one of them in their bedroom.
The Pool (Season 1, Episode 22)
Bandit playfully calls Chilli “boring” when she reminds him to grab the swimming gear bag before he takes Bluey and Bingo to their Uncle Stripe’s pool. He only grabs the pool noodles and water guns. Throughout the episode, we learn the bag contains sunnies (sunglasses), hats, swimsuits, goggles, thongs (flip flops), floaties, sunscreen, and poolside snacks as the girls ask Bandit for them. Chilli saves the day by bringing the “boring” swimming gear bag.
The Parental Challenge Faced In “The Pool”
Preparedness for any family outing is crucial, including fun and “boring” items. Parents can prepare by listing everything their children need and prepping a bag the day before. When I plan a day outing or a days-long trip with my children, I list everything we need and check it as I pack. Especially with two toddlers, it’s crucial to remember essentials like diapers, extra clothes, and fun non-screen activities for the road.
The Show (Season 2, Episode 16)
Bluey and Bingo put on a play about how Mum and Dad met and eventually came to have kids in “The Show.” The key moment is when Bingo portrays a pregnant mum, and the balloon pops under her shirt. Bandit clamps Chilli’s hand a bit tighter after this instance, showcasing the unspoken grief of miscarriage. Bingo believes she ruined Chilli’s Mother’s Day until Bluey reassures her sister by walking Bingo through Mum’s special steps for facing life’s challenges.
The Parental Challenge Faced In “The Show”
Whether it’s enduring miscarriage or another unexpected occurrence within the parenting journey, moms and dads can learn coping mechanisms to move past challenges. Chilli’s coping checklist of having a good cry, picking up and dusting yourself off, and continuing forward is a great lesson in perseverance to overcome any tough situation. Sometimes the kids request something of me all at once, or when they are verbally bantering, I need to take a deep breath and reset my mind before I jump back into parenting them.
Mum School (Season 2, Episode 23)
Chilli helps Bluey blow up balloons that act as Bluey’s pretend children. Bluey puts Chilli in charge of keeping score of how well she “mothers” the balloons. Bandit becomes a dad school student, showcasing that playfulness while handling bedtime routine tasks is effective in helping young children stay engaged during transitions.
The Parental Challenge Faced In “Mum School”
Moms (and dads) are learning to be parents for the first time when raising their little humans. Not every day will be perfect, but letting go of the parenting fails and embarking upon new successes is important. My only son (my middle child) is my toughest cookie with the attitude of a cranky old man. I learned that he feels valued when I ask him to help me with tasks throughout the house. Hence, I let him shut the bathroom drawer after brushing his teeth or have him stir cake batter for me when I’m baking.
Onesies (Season 3, Episode 32)
While the word “miscarriage” isn’t explicitly mentioned in “Onesies”, parents understand the unspoken loss Brandy has faced. Aunt Brandy visits Bluey and Bingo and brings them fun animal-themed onesies. Bluey’s cheetah onesie is too small and Bingo’s zebra onesie is too big, so they swap them. Brandy has trouble staying, feeling grief because she hasn’t birthed children of her own. You can see the mental nerve that’s hit when Chilli admits Bingo looks like Brandy.
The Parental Challenge Faced In “Onesies”
Various circumstances can hinder individuals from becoming parents, including miscarriage, infertility, and lack of resources. “Onesies” teaches individuals desiring to be parents to endure child loss by healing without a timeline. Grief can coexist with love as you spend time with other children in your family.
Family planning with your partner can take the edge off while healing from child loss. My eldest was my rainbow baby, who was born in 2018. Back in 2014, I miscarried my first child. I felt defeated, but I took a leap of faith forward. I started working in daycares and substitute teaching in local preschools and kindergartens to build childcare experience that would prepare me for when I would be blessed with a little one.
Housework (Season 3, Episode 12)
Chilli and Bandit start cleaning their living space in “Housework.” Bandit stops cleaning, declaring that he will return to it when Bluey and Bingo can walk their normal stride. While reluctant at first, Chili eventually joins her husband’s observation to witness their daughters’ funny walks while cleaning up the play area.
The Parental Challenge Faced In “Housework”
It’s natural as a parent to dread housework. Between the never-ending pile of dishes to wash and laundry to put away, they can be daily monotonous tasks. However, making household tasks fun by dancing while doing dishes or folding clothes can be a fun alternative that breaks up the monotony. I turn toy clean-up time into a race by encouraging the kids to see who can pick up everything fastest.
Take Away (Season 1, Episode 14)
Bandit and the girls order Chinese takeout in “Take Away”. As they wait for the spring rolls to finish cooking, chaos ensues. Bingo gets thirsty and hungry. She eats Bandit’s spicy food, and it falls over. Bandit has to take Bingo to do a “bush wee” with no bathroom in sight. Bluey turns on the faucet they drank from earlier in the episode, and she’s unable to turn it off while Bandit waits for Bingo to finish her “bush wee”. The episode’s climax is when Bandit slips and falls on wet takeout menus, resulting in food dropping all over him.
The Parental Challenge Faced In “Take Away”
Every parent has been in this situation: waiting on takeout or something else to get done (e.g., waiting on a doctor’s appointment) while their kids are antsy. Parents learn from “Take Away” that having different ways to occupy their children while out in public is important. Pack travel activities like mini coloring books or portable games for them to play while waiting.
Parenting Is a Daily Lesson
Each day as a parent is filled with laughter, challenges, and adventure. Bluey beautifully mirrors any parenting journey’s “for real life” experiences. Each episode entertains children while helping to remind parents that moms and dads don’t always have everything figured out. And that’s ok! From having children “run their own race” in achieving their developmental milestones, like in “Baby Race,” to embracing the unpredictability that comes with teaching children to wait patiently, like in “Take Away,” Bluey is a timeless children’s cartoon that showcases how parenting is a daily lesson.
Now go check out our article for the 20 best Bluey episodes and the lessons they teach children.
