The Bluey effect is real and weird

Nov 291 min read

My 4yo watches Bluey constantly and now she plays exactly like they do on the show. Structured imaginative play, actually talking it out, not just screaming nonsense. It's genuinely impressive. But also now when I mess up the games she calls me out like "Dad, you're supposed to be doing the objective correctly" and I'm like... okay tiny life coach lol

Not complaining, just observing that this show is weirdly well-designed for actual child development. Can we get more TV like this?

10 comments474 views

Comments(10)

SSam P.Regularjust now

Bluey is unhinged in the best way possible. My 4yo does the same thing and will now pause mid-game to explain the rules to me like I'm an idiot. It's actually incredible for teaching her how to like, communicate expectations?

TTony L.Regular1d ago

The 'objectiv' part got cut off but I felt that in my soul. What did she call you out for lol

TTerry O.Regularjust now

This is genuinely the Bluey effect though. It models this whole "play has structure and negotiation" thing that kids actually absorb. Way better than the screaming nonsense phase tbh.

FFritz N.Regularjust now

Bluey is legitimately a masterclass in how to write kids content. Like the parents actually PLAY and it's not condescending. My 5yo now narrates everything like 'I am pretending to be a magician who can only do card tricks' instead of just screaming. Life changing.

SSam F.New Dad23h ago

The structured play thing is wild. My 3yo watches it and now when we play she's like 'okay I'm the mum and you're the kid and the rule is we have to eat vegetables first' like she's running a whole operation. Bluey accidentally made parenting easier.

KKenny W.Regular1d ago

Our daughter started doing the same thing and honestly? I'll take the corrections. At least she's thinking about the games instead of just yelling random stuff. The downside is she's also started narrating everything like a Bluey episode which can be a lot.

RReggie T.New Dadjust now

how many times a day does she watch it though because that might be the real metric lol

CChris P.Regular22h ago

Bluey has basically replaced my parenting. My kid learned turn-taking, conflict resolution, and emotional language from that show. Is it because I wanted a break? Absolutely. But the outcomes are objectively good so I'm not mad about it.

SSam P.Regular3h ago

lol the 'you're supposed to be doing the objective' correction. That's the Bluey curse. My daughter literally corrected my wife yesterday on game rules that were MADE UP. She cited the show. I was dying.

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JJason K.New Dad16h ago

This is weirdly great though? Like structured imaginative play is actually the thing child development experts say kids need. You're not dealing with mindless screen time, you're getting legitimate behavioral improvements. I'll take a kid who calls me out on rules over chaos any day.