How Bluey has made me a better parent
By now I am sure you have watched the highly-rated TV show called Bluey which is available on Disney+. Bluey is a popular show that is made in Australia that has become highly watched around the world. The show follows an animated six-year-old Blue Heeler puppy called Bluey who is characterized by her abundance of energy, imagination and curiosity of the world. The young dog lives with her father, Bandit; mother, Chilli; and younger sister, Bingo, who regularly joins Bluey on adventures and imaginative play together. The playing together and the positivity of the show have led to being a better parent.
More Playful
The show shows plenty of play between the parents. Not only are they fun and interesting episodes, they usually play games that we parents can either play as they are or with a little imagination can adapt to your lifestyle. Some of the games we play from the show are:
- “Keepy-Uppy” – Try and stop the balloon from touching the ground. This is fun because it gets the bodies moving, can be great for a large age range, and is easy to do, you just need a balloon or something similar.
- “Vananda Santa” – Pretend Santa is visiting and dropping off some presents, the kids better not wake up!
- “Camping” – Bluey and her family go on a camping trip and explore the outdoors, going on adventures and telling stories around the campfire.
- “Grannies” – Bluey and her sister Bingo dress up as their grandmothers and act out their daily routines and habits.
- “Tickle Crabs” – Bluey and her friends pretend to be crabs and chase each other while tickling.
Some games have inspired new games or similar games but with a different twist. It’s a fun thing to play with, either coming up with your own variations or just copy the them exactly.
By joining in on your child’s play and encouraging their imagination, you can build a stronger relationship and help them develop important skills.
Importance of Imaginative Play
Imaginative play is crucial for a child’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. It is a type of play that involves creating scenarios and stories in the child’s mind, allowing them to explore their creativity and imagination.
One of the primary benefits of imaginative play is that it helps children develop their language and communication skills. When children engage in imaginative play, they often create dialogues and narratives, which enhances their ability to express themselves verbally.
Imaginative play also helps children develop problem-solving skills, as they learn to think creatively and find solutions to the challenges they encounter in their play scenarios. Additionally, imaginative play encourages children to develop empathy and emotional intelligence, as they imagine themselves in different roles and situations.
Through imaginative play, children also develop social skills, such as sharing, taking turns, and collaborating with others. They learn to negotiate, compromise, and resolve conflicts, all of which are essential for healthy social relationships.
More Relaxed
As a parent, there are certainly times when you lose your cool. You could be the most calm and collected person there is in the world before kids. Then after having to ask your toddler 10 times to stop dropping their food on the ground for the dog.
While setting limits is important, often as grouchy parents it is a good reminder that sometimes it is ok to let things go at times.
Practice Active Listening
The characters in Blue” often engage in conversations that demonstrate the importance of listening to one another and validating each other’s feelings. By practicing active listening, you can create a safe and supportive environment for your child to express themselves. While it can hard at times to give children your full attention, it is well worth it as they will learn to mimic your behavior. This is a skill that can be developed by the parentings showing their children what it looks like, leading by example.
Being an active listener involves more than just hearing what the other person is saying. It means paying attention to what they are saying, acknowledging their feelings, and responding appropriately. Here are some tips on how to be a better active listener:
- Be present: Give the speaker your undivided attention by putting away distractions such as phones or other devices.
- Make eye contact: Looking at the person speaking shows that you are interested in what they have to say and helps establish a connection.
- Show empathy: Acknowledge the speaker’s feelings by acknowledging what they are saying and how it makes them feel. This shows that you are listening and understand their perspective.
- Ask questions: Ask open-ended questions to encourage the speaker to provide more detail and help you better understand their perspective.
- Reflect and summarize: Paraphrase or summarize what the speaker said to ensure that you understand their message accurately.
- Avoid interrupting: Let the speaker finish what they are saying before responding or asking additional questions.
- Provide feedback: Once the speaker has finished, provide feedback to show that you have been actively listening and are interested in their perspective.
Quality Time
Focus on quality time: “Bluey” emphasizes the importance of spending quality time with your family and creating special memories together. Whether it’s going on an adventure or just spending time at home, prioritizing family time can help you build a stronger connection with your child.
Quality time with children is crucial for their emotional and social development. Spending time with your children creates opportunities for bonding, building trust, and establishing a strong and positive relationship. It provides a safe and supportive environment for children to express their thoughts, feelings, and concerns, which helps to strengthen the parent-child relationship.
Quality time also creates lasting memories that children can cherish throughout their lives, which helps build their self-esteem and confidence. Additionally, it provides opportunities for parents to teach important life skills, values, and lessons in a fun and engaging way. Quality time can also be a way to promote healthy habits, such as exercise, healthy eating, and good sleep habits.
Overview
Bluey is a delightful animated series that appeals to audiences of all ages. With its relatable storylines, charming characters, and heartwarming moments, it’s no wonder that this show has become such a hit. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, there’s something for everyone in this wonderful series.
