Parenting Like Bluey: Why You’re Already Doing Enough
Parenting like Bluey doesn’t mean perfection
When my kids were getting close to the age to watch Bluey, a family member told me, "Oh, it's such a great show, but be careful. It can set some unrealistic expectations for parent play." At the time, I didn’t think much of it. But now, after watching countless episodes and hearing similar comments from my therapy clients, especially moms, I get what they meant.
And yet, I completely disagree.
I love Bluey. It’s sweet, funny, and even research-backed as a low-stimulation show for kids. But does it create an impossible standard for parenting? I don’t think so. In fact, if you step back and really look at it, Bluey captures parenting in all its imperfect, exhausted, sometimes-distracted, trying-our-best glory. And the best part? Each episode is about 7 minutes and 30 seconds long. I could follow most of my clients around and find 7 minutes of their day that would make a beautiful Bluey episode, and probably more content than that.
Bluey parenting feels unrealistic
I get it. Bandit and Chili are often playful, patient, and deeply engaged with their kids. They create elaborate games, let their kids lead play, and show up in ways that can feel, well... unattainable. When you're running on little sleep, juggling work, dishes, and the mental load of a thousand things, it can be easy to watch Bluey and think, Ugh, I should be doing more.
But here’s the thing: that’s not the whole picture. Bluey doesn’t just show the highlight reel. It also gives us plenty of moments where the parents aren’t having the best time ever, aren’t in the mood, or just flat-out don’t want to play.
Bluey episodes where parenting isn’t "perfect"
If you need a reminder that Bandit and Chili are just as human as the rest of us, here are some episodes that show it:
Stumpfest – Bandit knows an issue is coming, over-explains, and gets visibly frustrated when the kids won’t stop playing so he can rip out the stump. You can see it in his eyebrows and hear it in his tone.
Hospital – The girls tell Bandit to lay down and play, but he really isn’t in the mood. He drags his feet, clearly not wanting to do it.
Dance Mode – Same thing. The parents are just not in the mood for dance mode and they hurt Bingo’s feelings.
Dragon – Bandit inadvertently insults Bluey’s drawing. A total real-life parenting slip-up.
TV Shop – Their car is a mess. Enough said.
Takeaway – (One of my personal favorites.) Bandit is so not into it. He’s sitting on his phone, reading the newspaper, getting annoyed, and clearly overstimulated by Bingo’s endless questions.
Whale Watching – Bandit and Chili are clearly hungover and not at their best.
Zoo – Bandit reluctantly “plays” but sits in the "zoo" reading his newspaper.
Pizza Girls – Bandit and Chili tell the girls to make lots of pizza and take their time—code for "give us a break."
Parenting Like Bluey
Rather than feeling like Bluey sets an unrealistic standard, we can take small lessons from it and apply them in a way that works for our own families. Here are some ways to parent like Bluey without the pressure:
Be present with your kids – This doesn’t mean engaging 24/7, but finding small moments to really focus on them.
Make time for them each day, even in small ways – A 5-minute silly game, a bedtime story, or a cuddle on the couch all count.
Let them choose the game – You don’t have to lead; just follow their creativity. And yes, the game can be short! If the Heelers can do it in 7 minutes, so can you!
Do repair when needed – Just like Bandit and Chili, sometimes we get it wrong. Apologizing, reconnecting, and moving forward matters.
Give yourself grace – You don’t have to be the perfect parent. Bluey reminds us that even the best parents have off days.
Let go of perfection – The messy, tired, distracted parts of parenting? They’re just as real and important as the playful ones.
You’re Already Doing It
Every parent I work with has moments of deep connection with their kids. Pockets of time where they’re engaged, playing, or making their child feel loved and safe. Those moments count. And the best part? They’re likely happening more than 7 minutes and 30 seconds a day.
So if Bluey makes you feel like you’re not doing enough, take a breath. Look for your own "episode-worthy" moments, and know that the messy, tired, distracted parts? They’re in there too. You’re already doing it.
And maybe next time your kids ask you to play, you can say yes. Or, like Bandit in Hospital, you can groan about it first. Either way, you’re still a great parent.
About the author:
I’m a mom of two, a Bluey enthusiast, and a therapist specializing in therapy for moms and parent counseling. I know firsthand that parenting is trifficult. The highs, the lows, and everything in between. I provide support to parents in Chicago, Milwaukee, Hinsdale, Whitefish Bay, and anywhere in IL & WI. I love helping you navigate the challenges of parenthood with compassion and practical strategies. Connect with me to schedule a 15min consultation.
