I have caught myself crying as I watch children’s animations many times. The first time was when I watched Sing 2 - with my daughter, of course.
Then I blubbed my way through many episodes of Paddington and lately, our favourite Australian four-legged friends in Bluey have me giggling one minute, and tearing at my heartstrings the next.
The every day life of the Heeler family - six-year-old Bluey, her little sister Bingo, and parents Bandit and Chilli - are now part of our everyday life. Our four-year-old insists that we get up and dance at the start of each episode we watch – there is a ‘Bluey dance’. My husband and I now exist on a diet of duck cake and biscuits (if you know, you know).
There was much excitement in our house last week when we discovered what is now referred to as ‘the long Bluey’.
In this special 28-minute episode, Bluey’s daddy, Bandit, takes a new job and the Heelers’ house is put up for sale. Will they move house? Will they stay? There is also almost a break up, a bit of a car chase, and a wedding packed in to the episode. Answering the questions raised has been interesting, fun and challenging: “But why, Mummy?”
There seems to be a Bluey for every single scenario life in a house with small children can throw up - and then some: from the bedtime battle, parents trying to get away for a break on their own and valuing grandparents, to the in-laws, learning about different behaviours and school.
There’s even an episode about the fairies. Fairies are universal... The children watching giggle and belly laugh, as do the parents.
Parents also feel seen, reassured. In my own case, I am learning tips on how to deal with tricky situations. I would like to be more like Bluey’s mummy, Chilli, when I grow up.
She seems to be able to remain calm in almost every situation. Thankfully though, she has her wobbles, which helps me feel less inadequate.
There are many online theories about Bluey characters and storylines. Are some of the characters neurodiverse? Is Bluey a ‘rainbow baby’?
It is very easy to go down a Bluey online rabbit hole. It is highly likely that the writing will be the subject of PhD theses, if it isn’t already. I wonder if the writers ever imagined that audiences would connect so strongly with their stories?
I have yet to discover a particular episode that deals with brushing the teeth of small children. Please point me in the right direction if it exists.
There seems to be a Bluey for every single scenario life in a house with small children can throw up. There’s even an episode about the fairies. Fairies are universal... The children watching giggle and belly laugh, as do the parents
In the absence of Bluey guidance, I have to sing while I clean my daughter’s teeth. Currently, the top three hits on the teeth brushing playlist in our house are: 1. Barbie Girl; 2. I’m Just Ken, followed closely by 3. Beidh Aonach Amárach.
That might explain the shouting - I mean singing... - emanating from our house every morning and evening. Surely worthy of an extra sticker, the next time I go to the dentist?
Parenting goals are many. Hats off the the Farrah Lavery’s daddy, Paul. Farrah is the wee girl who got a big hug from Bruce Springsteen during his performance of Hungry Heart in Boucher Playing Fields on Thursday night. Farrah was in the front row of the gig, on her daddy’s shoulders. What a moment and a memory for their family.
Apparently, there were family tickets available for the Springsteen concert. How fantastic is that? Generations of a family heading to see a global superstar whose music has provided the soundtrack to many seminal moments in family life. Magic.
Family gigs are such a brilliant idea. I remember working at the Stendhal festival when I was pregnant and loving the vibe of the afternoon set from Kíla in the Karma Valley at Ballymully Farm. I couldn’t wait to experience this with my baby.
We have more than made up for the Covid years, and are now season ticket holders to baby raves, kiddy céilí's and family friendly afternoon concerts which are geared towards families getting up and dancing together. Pure joy.
In terms of music, so far, we have a David Bowie fan on our hands. There’s nothing like hearing Starman belting out of the back seat, unsolicited.
On the tough days of ‘please put your shoes on’, ‘please wear a coat’, ‘please hurry up’, it’s the little glimmers that get you through.
