Bluey makes me want to be a better parent!

If you're in Australia and you have kids you would know those cheeky imaginative sisters Bluey and Bingo well. 'Bluey' is targeted at preschoolers and presents everyday scenes from a loving 'typical' Queensland home. All 3 of our kids ranging in age from 3 to 8 adore the show because it taps into the fun and play of being a kid in a family where the adults (especially Dad) support and engage in play. So it's no surprise that watching this show gives the kids ideas of games to play! Like dodging yoga balls down the hallway, playing 'keeper uppy' with a balloon, or pretending to have a magical xylophone that freezes parents.
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But it's not just the kids that get ideas.

The true magic of this show is that if you're a Mum or a Dad, it empowers and equips you to be a better parent. You want to slow down and exist in the present fun. You want to turn everyday objects and moments into games. You want to be like a kid. But you also want to remain the adult with firmness and consistency. You want to emotionally engage with your kids. You want to create a positive family culture that says 'you are loved and you are safe'

Yes, I just love this show.

We had a Bluey inspired moment yesterday. It was sunny and we were ready for our morning tea break, so I brought the picnic rug outside. The shade was falling across the top of the rug so I decided to break some rules in a controlled way for fun - often seen on Bluey - and bring some lounge cushions outside to make a 'sun bed'. We laid down and I started to tell a story...
"Once upon a time there was a Mummy and 3 kids. It was bed time so the Mummy kissed the kids goodnight" / I kissed them each
"and they went to sleep" / they pretended to sleep
"the Mummy sat down with a cup of tea to read a book, suddenly there was a tap at the window" / they tap
"She looked up... It was a huge, hairy..." / I start to snore and pretend to sleep - kids yell wake up - this is from Bluey
"SPIDER!" / we all squeal
"it had 8 jiggly hairy legs, 1...2...3..." / we take turns lifting our legs up and counting to 8 jiggling them
"and then it opened its little hairy mouth and said in a loud voice..." / I go to sleep again, when the kids wake me up this time I yell:
"I EAT CHILDREN" / I then get up and start to chase the kids around the yard

Go on, watch Bluey! Even if it's without the kids.