It goes to say that screen time can be a blessing and a curse; you can use it to have a few moments of peace for your breakfast, but eventually, the kids may be demanding it over and over again. If you’re like me and can’t stand Cocomelon, try Bluey!
Bluey is an Australian show following a family of Blue Heelers: Mom Chili, Dad Bandit, younger sister Bingo, and the title character, Bluey. Set in an undisclosed area of Australia, the Heeler family is an honest look at both parenting and growing up. The kids make messes and don’t always listen, Mom and Dad do get into arguments from time to time, and all around you can see how much the characters love one another.
Not only does Bluey show what real life is, but it explores imagination. All the episodes of Bluey have an aspect of imaginary play, something that is cultivated through interaction with the world and can be mimicked by kiddos of all ages. From playing with a magic xylophone and experiencing what it means to share, to learning to use your ears while running a beauty salon, Bluey is truly a show that this mama doesn’t mind sitting down to watch with her littles.
Make sure you pay attention to the backgrounds; as my husband says, there’s a lot going on to demonstrate time passing, character backstories, or pieces of information that you might not catch the first time you watch.
Check out some of our favorite episodes!
- Baby Race (S2E50): After Mum (Chili) is asked whether her daughter is better at monkey bars than her friends, she reminisces on when Bluey was first learning to walk. This episode focuses on running your own race and has a beautiful message for moms/caregivers: you’re doing great.
- Bike (S1E11): Bluey learns a valuable lesson about perseverance after witnessing other characters try and fail in different tasks. This is a lovely episode on problem-solving!
- Fancy Restaurant (S2E17): Bandit and Chili are asked to provide a ‘smoochie kiss’ by the girls. They agree on the condition that it has to be romantic. Of course, with two kids, that’s easier said than done! We like this episode as it demonstrates an example of romance in married life, especially when it tends to fade to the background.
- Army (S2E16): This episode focuses on a new character, Jack the Jack Russel. Jack has a few problems that need to be solved: he can’t sit still, he can’t remember things, and he isn’t good at doing what he’s told. Recounting the story of his first day at school, Jack tells his mom all about what he’s learned with his new friend, Rusty, whose dad is in the army. This is a great episode where kids can see that it’s okay to be different.
- Ragdoll (S3E25): Bluey and Bingo find some money, but Dad (Bandit) insists that the ice cream they want to buy will taste better if they work for it. Cue the antics as Dad’s limbs stop working on the way to the car. This episode features the appearance of a next-door neighbor, Wendy, a powerhouse in her own right, who demonstrates the benefit of pilates on top of working hard.
Honorable mentions include episodes with ‘the grannies’: (Grannies (S1E28), Bus (S2E22)), Sleepytime (S2E26), and Calypso (S1E17).
