Playful parenting the Bluey way

If you’ve ever tuned into Bluey with your kid(s), you know there’s a lot we can learn from Bandit and Chilli’s way of parenting. Raising children is a wild ride, but if the Heeler family teaches us anything, it’s that they’re only young once. You’ve got to hold on tight and shout “HECK YEAH!” to another game of ‘Tickle Crabs’ because their giggles when you join their make-believe world are priceless.   

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

Play is more important than you think

Life is hectic, but play matters. After a full day at work, another round of ‘What’s the time, Mr Wolf?’ isn’t high on the agenda. But do the little ones care? No! They want to play. And whether you’re yawning or not, they want to share their imaginary world with you. Play is how kids learn and make sense of life. But it’s not just good for them. It’s good for grownups, too – just ask Bandit. It lets you see the world through their eyes and strengthens your bond.

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

Kids 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 their whole world. And this is where Bandit shines. He listens first and talks second. He validates his children’s tricky feelings so they learn to accept them rather than ignore them or look to you to fix things.

Top tip!

Help your kids process their emotions through play. When Bluey found a sick bird that didn’t make it, Bandit helped her explore 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 your kids make up a game, try not to call the shots. Respecting their ideas and letting them take charge builds their sense of self and nurtures their imaginations.   

Bandit encourages Bluey and Bingo to make up stories, express themselves through play, and explore different ideas as often as possible – even when it means he has to start dancing in the post office!

Top tip!

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

Teach life lessons in everyday moments

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

It pulled at Bandit’s Heeler heartstrings to watch Bluey struggle to ride her bike. He wanted to help but knew she had to figure it out alone. It was difficult, but 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.

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

Parents love to see Chilli and Bandit playing with their pups and teaching them about life. But they aren’t perfect, and they often say so. Sometimes, Bandit makes mistakes, gets frustrated, or gets things wrong. He was so determined to win the obstacle course that he cheated. But – and this is crucial – he admitted he was wrong and apologized, showing Bluey it’s OK to make mistakes if you own up and say, “Sorry, mate”. 

Remember, all grown-ups 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.

Top tip!

Some days, you’ll be the best parent. Other days, not so much. If you mess up – say sorry. It happens to everyone. But when kids see their grown-up’s own mistakes and learn from them, they realize it’s OK for them to make mistakes, too. 

You got this, mate!

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