I’ve lost count of how many times Bluey has saved me from an emotional breakdown triggered by mommy burnout or mom guilt. I never really understood the hype about the show until I actually sat down and watched it with my daughter. If you’re a parent and you haven’t seen Bluey yet, it’s time to jump on the bandwagon. Here are five reasons why I enjoy this TV show and recommend it to any young parents like myself.
It’s Under-stimulating for the Brain
Have you ever been overwhelmed by a load of chores that seem to never end? Or maybe you’ve been overstimulated by the sound of your child banging their toys on the table, or the big one…hearing “mama!” or “mommy! Mommy! Mommy!” back to back? If you’re a mom and you have felt this before, then let me turn your attention to Bluey, a very calming, relaxing, funny and relatable cartoon series on Disney+.
The moment you turn Bluey on, you will watch your child go from a super Tyrannosaurs Rex to a little bird not making a peep. There’s something about this show that calms the mind and energy around the home. There have been moments when I could not get anything done around the house because I am too busy chasing a toddler into every room telling her to “stop!” or “that’s not safe!” And although I am a stay-at-home mom, I am also a working mom, which means my work schedule is constantly interrupted.
But Bluey solves all those problems for me. If I simply need my daughter to be still for even just 20 minutes (which is a lot of time for a mom!) Bluey is the answer. The best part is that while I am getting things done around the house, I hear her giggling or talking to the TV as if Bluey is sitting right there with her. So, if you’re struggling to keep your kid still for a moment so you can get things done around the home put all your trust in Bluey. She will be delighted to keep your toddler’s attention. And yes, BLUEY IS A GIRL!
It Teaches Manners and Politeness
I know it sounds crazy, but it’s true. You will be surprised at how much your kid picks up manners and politeness from this show. Granted, I teach my daughter the basics of “please” and “thank you.” But Bluey has made her extra polite with her “please” and “thank you.” By that, I mean that when she wants something she says “please” and gently lays her head on her hands. Yeah, I totally did not teach her that. Bluey taught her that and I am not even complaining about it because it is super cute!
It Has Taught Me Some of the Best Parenting Tips
It’s universally known that raising kids does not come with an instruction manual. Let’s keep it real for a second: not one of us is an expert parent, and not one of us actually knows what we are doing half the time. Most of the time we rely on our instincts and prayer! However, I would have never thought or even considered taking unsolicited parenting advice from a cartoon! In moments where I am dealing with tantrums, being told “no,” or dealing with the redundancy of having to repeat myself, I ask myself, “What would Chili or Bandit do?” (Chili and Bandit are Bluey’s parents.)
What would they do if Bluey told them “no” or threw a tantrum because she didn’t like the response she got from her mom or dad? And when I ask myself that question I not only calm my mind (even when I am ready to lose it), but I can calmly make a strategic decision on how to handle a crabby toddler.
If anything, Chili and Bandit have taught me how to be patient with my kid and, more importantly, patient with myself.
It Is Highly Relatable and Very Touching
It’s one thing when you have parent friends who can relate to your stressors of being a parent, but it’s a whole different game when a cartoon relates to you too. Bluey has made me both laugh and cry at the same time. Whether it’s the part in “Sleepytime”where Chili comes to Bingo’s (Bluey’s sister) rescue because she is crying in her sleep or the part in “Takeaway”where Bluey turns the faucet on and water starts rushing down the street and Bandit can’t stop her from playing in the water because he’s helping Bingo do a “bush wee” (if you know you know). Either way, Bluey is a constant reminder that parenting truly is a blessing and you have to enjoy and be present for every moment.
It Validates Mom Guilt and Mom Overstimulation
Alright, pay close attention to this one because it’s real. It’s no secret that as a mom at some point you are going to feel “mom guilt” or “mommy burnout.” Unfortunately, it is bound to happen, and when it does, just know that it will be okay, this too shall pass, and you’ll get through it. As stated above, it’s one thing to have parent friends who understand you, but it’s another thing when a cartoon gets you too. The same concept follows mom guilt. It’s one thing to have mommy friends who relate to you and understand you, but it’s another thing when a cartoon get real about those issues of mom guilt and mommy burnout.
In moments of having mom guilt, I reflect on the episode “Baby Race,” when Chili felt like she was doing everything wrong with Bluey because it took her so long to walk, until Coco’s mom showed up at her house to remind her that she’s “doing great.” In moments of mommy burnout or overstimulation, I reflect on the episode “Sheepdog” when Chili asks Bandit to take Bluey and Bingo for a while because she simply needs “20 minutes.”
I would have never thought that my feelings would be validated by a cartoon dog. So, if you’re a mom who experiences these moments, let Chili be your spirit animal and guide you. Because it’s okay to have mom guilt and it’s okay to be overstimulated.
Where to Watch Bluey
All three seasons of Bluey are available on Disney+. You can also watch one hour of streaming episodes on Disney Junior’s Youtube!
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