Playful parenting with Bandit

G'day parents, it’s Bandit, Bluey’s dad here! Have you ever been roped into a game of “Keepy Uppy” when you just want to watch the cricket? If so, you're in the right place. Raising pups is a wild ride, but one thing I've learned is that they're only young once. You've got to hold on tight and shout 'HECK YEA' to the 956874th game of “Tickle Crabs” because their wide-eyed delight means heaps more than catching a run.


So, grab a seat, and let's talk about raising little legends the Bandit Heeler way.

Play is more important than you think

Life is hectic, and after a long day digging up bones, I'm not always game for another round of "What's the time, Mr Wolf?" But do Bluey and Bingo care? No! They want to play. And whether I'm yawning or not, they want me to walk into their imaginary world and share a make-believe moment with them. Play is how kids learn and make sense of life. But it's not just good for them. It’s good for me too. I see the world through their eyes and build our daddy-pup connection.

Bandit's top tip!

When your kids ask you to play, say yes. Even if it's just for five minutes—it will mean the world to them.

Big feelings are welcome

Tiny dogs have huge emotions. One minute, they're screaming with laughter, and the next, they're devastated because their ice block has melted. When an emotional wave rolls in, it can be tempting to brush it aside, especially if it's over something minor. But for them, it's the biggest thing in their world. That's why I try to listen first and talk second. I get on their level and validate what they’re going through so they learn to accept their tricky feelings rather than ignoring them or looking to me to fix them.

Bandit's top tip!

Help your kids process their emotions through play. When Bluey found a sick bird that didn't make it, she explored her feelings in a game which helped her accept her sadness and deal with it in the real world.

Nurture their imaginations and respect their ideas

When Bluey and Bingo make up a game, I try not to call the shots. Respecting their ideas and letting them take charge builds their sense of self and nurtures their imaginations. I encourage them to make up stories, express themselves through play, and explore different ideas as often as possible—even when I have to start dancing in the post office!

Bandit's top tip!

Let your kid be the Play Boss every now and again and watch as their confidence skyrocket.

Teach life lessons in everyday moments

The most memorable parenting lessons don't come from serious chats but everyday moments. And luckily, life's full of these brilliant little opportunities.

Once, Bluey struggled to ride her bike. Watching her tugged at my Heeler heartstrings. I wanted to help but knew I had to let her figure it out alone. Being patient gave Bluey the time and space she needed to see other pups in the park trying and failing, which gave her the confidence to keep going and learn resilience.

Bandit's top tip!

Use everyday life to teach your kids valuable lessons—they're always happening. Turn a trip to the monkey bars into a lesson on patience or a lost toy into a lesson on responsibility.

Be Perfectly imperfect

I want my kids to understand that nobody's perfect, even grown-up dogs. Sometimes, I make mistakes, become frustrated, and get things wrong. I was determined to win the obstacle course, so I cheated. But admitting I was wrong and apologizing showed Bluey it's ok to make mistakes if you own up and say, "Sorry, mate."

Remember, we all fail Parent School sometimes. But that's ok, as Chilli says: we try again tomorrow. Parenting isn’t about perfection—it’s about showing up so the little ratbags know they’re loved.

Bandit's top tip!

Some days, you'll be the best dad. Other days, you won't. If you mess up—say sorry. We ALL make mistakes. When kids see us learn from getting something wrong, they realize it's ok for them to get things wrong, too.

You got this, mate!

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