Bluey’s Parents Set Impossibly High Standards
How can the rest of us measure up?
The 3rd season of Bluey dropped in the U.S. today (if you are the parent of a kid between the ages of 3–8, you already know this). The parents in this country are obsessed with Bluey — the Australian phrases, the cheeky humor, the heartfelt messages, and most of all, seeing our own lives in almost every episode.
I have a Bluey (watch the episode “Mini Bluey” and you’ll know what I mean). Blueys demand a level of calm and patience that feels unattainable for most of us. But Bluey’s mom, Chilli, always lowers her voice, looks her kid in the eye, and sees her for who she really is.
And Bluey’s Dad, Bandit? He sets the most unattainable bar. Who can go all in on imagination games like that? He embarrasses himself in front of neighbors to his kids' delight. He refuses to break character. He plays any game that is asked of him. Plus, his off-handedly loving but also inflexible (but somehow also laid back but somehow also a little harsh) attitude seems like the perfect anti-helicopter parenting vision our generation needs.
Full disclosure: it’s possible I have a minor crush on Bandit.
My kid wants to play the same games that Bluey and Bingo play with their parents. And I want him to get to play those games but…real…
