Opera House parents on what we’ve learnt from Bluey

Bluey, the hit Aussie show that Vulture called "the greatest kids' show of our time", has resonated with young ones across the planet because it gets kids. The puppies of Bluey are playful, imaginative and spontaneous. They look at the world as a giant sandpit, the same way our kids do.

But what has elevated Bluey into a pop culture tier of its own is its appeal to parents. Bluey is a beacon of how families can be: honest, forgiving, patient, fun. It's also a reminder to embrace our kids' creativity, in a world in short supply. With Bluey's Big Play around the corner, we've asked parents of the Opera House to share what they've learnt watching Bluey with their kids.

Play makes life fun…

Shelley Waters

Being a parent is hard work, it’s a relentless struggle to have (in my case) three living creatures with undeveloped brains do things in sequential order… to say… leave the house! But, Bluey reminds me that when I incorporate the magic of play into mundane tasks it makes this perfunctory stuff a bit more joyful. We play magical mummy rides “whoa uh, it’s a magical mummy ride, whoa, uh”, toothbrush monsters, dolphins, monkeys and firefighters. When I play I feel more child-like and remember that make-believe is fun… and I guess I like my life more when I’m having fun. Also – slowing down! Must slow down to play – and this makes my life better too.

Family matters

Janelle Ryan

We live in a small apartment. After dinner, we jostle for the best spot on the couch, a jumble of legs, electrical devices and our dog. Then we disappear. Into our phones, devices, game boxes. Separated by ages, interests, priorities and friends. When Season 2 of Bluey was released, my eight-year-old daughter asked to stream it to the TV. Every Friday night we’d watch the new episodes. And each week one more family member got involved – the pre-teen and finally Dad. By the end, as we all sang along to the theme, I reflected on how engaging good storytelling is. And how it bought my family, briefly, back together.

Resolving conflict

Steven Baillie

For a two-parent, two daughter family who love watching the show together, the stage version, Bluey’s Big Play, brings home the importance of understanding, family and love in the most poignant way. The lessons of resolving conflicts with those you love are played out on stage with so much heart and relatability. For the adults in the audience, the final scenes reveal a surprising plot development that might just bring a tear to your eye!

My kids are awesome and everything will be ok

Christina Moothoo

Cuddling up close and watching Bluey together as a family is definitely one of our joys. For me, it's an opportunity to centre myself and remember that life doesn't have to be so serious. Nostalgia does creep in at times and sometimes I do find myself with some happy tears as at times it really does hit those soft spots.

Watching Bluey has also reminded me of the importance of play and patience. It constantly reminds us that our kids are awesome. Even during tough times, they are still awesome and everything will be ok.