Why “Bluey” is the Most Realistic Show on Television

If you look past the talking dogs who don’t wear clothes (although the dad does wear a tie to work), Bluey is the most realistic parenting show on television. Here’s why:

1. The back seat of their car is a mess.

Every time this family gets in the car, they show Bluey and Bingo in the back seat. There’s junk all over the place. Old food, crayons, tinker toys, you name it. I can’t remember the last time I cleaned out my entire car, but I know as soon as I do, the junk inevitably returns. The Heeler family makes me feel less gross about having a cluttered car.

2. The laundry never ends (although, again, they don’t wear clothes).

Even “people” who don’t wear clothes have copious amounts of laundry. Chilli and Bandit frequently switch laundry from the washer to the dryer. Underwear and socks are strewn about the bedroom floors. If dogs who don’t wear clothes can’t keep up with their laundry, how am I supposed to keep up with our laundry for a family of five?

3. They are up all night getting kids to sleep or back in their beds

Have you seen the “Sleepytime” episode? Never have I related more to a television program (real or imagined) than this episode. This one made me feel SEEN. My kids aren’t the best sleepers. Bed swapping, bathroom wake-ups, asking for water, and needing a hug are frequent issues. We’ve done it all. As the kids have gotten older, however, the overnight hours aren’t nearly as hectic, and this episode made me realize that we are not alone with kids who are difficult sleepers.

4. They have to stop 342 times for the bathroom while taking a road trip.

Have you ever had to take a road trip with kids? Last summer, we drove to South Carolina (that’s 14 hours ONE WAY). The episode “Road Trip” spoke to my soul. Slow drivers, constant bathroom breaks, the countless times we endured the “I’m bored” mantra. We learned a lot on that drive, mainly how we will drive overnight this year.

5. The kids argue.

I don’t remember arguing much with my siblings when I was younger, but my parents said we did. I feel like my kids argue CONSTANTLY, and it’s something I’m not privy to when I see other families out in the wild. If the Heeler girls argue almost every episode, it must be a normal family dynamic. I feel better about my parenting skills when even parents as good as the Heelers have kids who argue.

6. The parents make mistakes.

At first glance, the Heeler parents seem perfect. Bandit is the perfect play partner for Bluey and Bingo, constantly making up games and activities. Chilli rarely raises her voice. But if you watch closely, they make mistakes and sometimes question how to best parent their children. They play the comparison game between Bluey’s early childhood development and the other dog children. They overlook their child’s feelings when they don’t see Bingo is becoming more and more frustrated as they take away her turns in “Dance Mode.” They struggle to explain why they get frustrated when the children interrupt the adult conversation. And they have difficulty talking to the children about death and loss.

We all have fears and struggles as parents, but I have to say that watching Bluey gives me renewed faith that I’m the best parent for my kids and always reminds me that it’s ok to have fun with them too!

Clearly, there’s a lot of Bluey going on in this house. It’s fun, interesting, has cute music, and, dare I say it, is quite poignant. I’ll miss it when my children grow out of watching it over and over and over again.

Do you (I mean…do your kids) watch Bluey? What do you relate to most as a parent?