Bluey & Healthy Relationships

PCA Violence Prevention Educators (VPEs) Emily Grant and Alyson Doty discuss how the children's show "Bluey" models healthy relationships, boundary setting, and emotional intelligence. They highlight how Bluey's parents exemplify empathetic, patient, and emotionally regulated parenting for their children, Bluey and Bingo. The show teaches children the importance of repairing conflicts, setting boundaries, and respecting each other's feelings. It also challenges traditional gender roles by portraying both parents as active caregivers. Reflecting on episodes like "Yoga Ball," "Wagon Ride," and "Stick Bird," the hosts highlight how the show demonstrates practical ways to navigate boundary setting and emotions. Emily and Alyson emphasize the show's relevance to adults seeking to improve their emotional intelligence and parenting skills. Lastly, they focus on the importance of having fun as parents, educators, and adults through watching shows like "Bluey"!

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Transcript

Emily Grant  00:00

Hello and welcome to the Phoenix Cast.

Emily Grant  00:18

Welcome back to the Phoenix cast, I'm Emily, a violence prevention educator (VPE) at the PCA, and a mom to a curious, energetic three year old. Today I'm joined by Alyson, who's also a VPE and the proud aunt of a little one herself. Today, we're diving into the world of Bluey, not just as a kid show, but as a master class in healthy relationships, boundary setting and emotional growth. 

Emily Grant  00:39

Bluey models healthy relationships by portraying emotionally attuned parenting, respecting communication and gender equitable caregiving all through playful, relatable storytelling. 

Alyson Doty  00:50

Yeah, I definitely love Bluey myself. I'm a huge fan, and like my sister, gives me a hard time because I sometimes watch it when my niece isn't even there. But I agree. I think that Bluey just is such a great example of healthy relationships. I think that it shows emotionally intelligent parenting on Bandit and Chilli's behalf. It also shows how we can use play and, like, just games with kids as like a source of connection. I think it shows respectful communication and boundary setting in that way. 

Emily Grant  01:17

I definitely relate to like my daughter, Ariyah, will walk away and I'll find myself still watching the show, so I feel like Bandit in Chilli. Bluey's parents consistently model empathy, patience and emotional regulation. They validate their children's feelings while gently guiding behavior, showing that discipline can coexist with warmth. Episodes often highlight repair after conflict, teaching kids that mistakes are part of relationships and that reconnection matters more than perfection. How would you say Bandit and Chilli model repair after conflict, and why is it important for kids? 

Alyson Doty  01:49

Yeah, I think that Bandit and Chilli model repair by just like making sure that they listen to their kids they they don't just diminish their bingo and blueies like concerns or like they're like ways that they express hurt, and so they definitely work to just handle that well. They listen to their kids and like, guide them through that. They find a new solution that is helpful for their kids, for them that still like, honors, the idea that these are the parents and like they're setting these boundaries for like, sometimes their kids safety, or just like to become like good humans operating, well, not humans, dogs, but good people operating in the world. And also like they they still make sure that they're heard and don't diminish like what they brought up in the hurt that was expressed. 

Emily Grant  02:38

Right, and I would say that when boundaries are crossed, characters often apologize and reconnect. They do a really good job of modeling relational repair and teaching children that boundaries aren't about punishment, they're about mutual respect and emotional safety.

Emily Grant  02:52

You talked a little bit about how Bluey challenges traditional parenting norms or gender stereotypes, portraying Bandit as a nurturing, emotionally expressive father and Chilli as a wise, working mother who balances care with independence. What ways would you say Bluey challenges traditional parenting norms, especially around emotional labor and gender roles? 

Alyson Doty  03:11

Yeah, I think that Bluey does a really good job of showing that there are ways that both parents can hold parenting norms and, like, parenting roles in some really cool ways. Something that I really love about Bluey is that it shows that Chilli actually has a job. And, like, there's multiple episodes where she's leaving for work, and Bandit is the one who's staying home and still playing with the kids. And I know that oftentimes, like those, those gender norms are not held to for a father. And so I think that that's really important. I think that's a really cool way to show that kids can have two parents who are working and having fun. Um yeah, and I think that that's really important. They also show that like, I think oftentimes we see like, these norms in society of a dad being the one who punishes the kids. And I think like, Bluey actually kind of flips that, like, I think Chilli, at most times has like, the mom stare, you know. And so I think, like, it takes, like, the idea of, like, "just wait till your father gets home", and kind of flips that on its head, because, like, it's like, no, like, "Wait till mom gets home", she will set those boundaries, and she will be the one who kind of, like, decides the consequence if there is something that is done wrong, you know, 

Emily Grant  04:18

Agreed, and this balance kind of helps normalize that shared caregiving roles, and we talked a little bit about boundaries and consent. And I'm wondering, how does Bluey teach children to set and respect boundaries in everyday situations, especially through play?

Alyson Doty  04:36

Yeah, I think that Bluey does a really good job of showing that these kids are navigating the world for this for first time, and also, like Bandit and Chilli are being parents for the first time. And so everyone's going to make mistakes. The kids are going to do things that cross the line. The parents are going to do things that cross the line. And so I feel like it does a really good job of kind of showing how when that boundary is crossed, like how you set new boundaries or, like, kind of address maybe the hurt that happened, even if it was unintentional. 

Alyson Doty  05:05

One of my favorite episodes that kind of shows this is the episode yoga ball, when the girls are playing with Bandit throughout the day, and he gets a little bit too rough, because he forgets that Bingo is a little bit smaller than Bluey and like he and she's just like, a little bit younger, and so he plays a little bit too rough with her, and she ends up getting really hurt by that, like she goes out into the backyard and just starts crying, like she does her little sad howl. It's like, heartbreaking. And Chilli approaches her and has her, like, a conversation with her. And so then she tells her, like, you need to get better about setting that boundary, like, Let's go talk to your dad, and let's set that boundary. 

Alyson Doty  05:42

So something that we always try to make sure that we state whenever we're examining or playing actual clips from any sort of TV show or anything like that, is under the fair use doctrine of the United States copyright statute, it is permissible to use limited portions of a work, including quotes, for purposes such as commentary, criticism, news reporting and scholarly reports. So that is how we are able to play these clips from Bluey, because we are commentating on them. So I'm gonna go ahead and play that clip now. 

Chilli from Bluey  06:11

Hey, Bingo. Oh, what's the matter? 

Bingo from Bluey  06:15

Daddy's playing too rough with me. 

Chilli from Bluey  06:18

Yeah, he does play too rough sometimes, doesn't he? 

Bingo from Bluey  06:22

Yes

Chilli from Bluey  06:24

Did you use your big girl bark?

Bingo from Bluey  06:26

No, because I don't have a very good big girl bark. 

Chilli from Bluey  06:30

Really? Show me. Oh, that's all right, just do it bigger. Bigger. Oh! There it is. Come on, let's go talk to your dad.

Bandit from Bluey  06:50

Go away. What's up? 

Bluey from Bluey  06:56

You're in trouble. 

Chilli from Bluey  06:57

No one's in trouble. Bingo, just has something she'd like to tell dad. That's all,

Bingo from Bluey  07:07

Sometimes you play a bit too rough with me. 

Bandit from Bluey  07:10

Oh, bingo, really? Oh, sorry, Buster. I didn't realize. I think I just forget that you're a bit younger than your sister. 

Bingo from Bluey  07:19

I'm only four

Bluey from Bluey  07:20

Yeah, not six, like me

Chilli from Bluey  07:22

But Dad, we don't want you to stop playing with us. 

Bandit from Bluey  07:27

Oh, okay

Bingo from Bluey  07:28

I'm just gonna get better at using my bigger bark. 

Bandit from Bluey  07:32

Okay, well, let's practice. 

Bingo from Bluey  07:34

Okay,

Bandit from Bluey  07:36

So tell me, is this rough? Okay? Boing! 

Bingo from Bluey  07:40

yes, that's okay

Bandit from Bluey  07:41

Okay, how about this rough Boeing? 

Bingo from Bluey  07:44

Yes, that's okay 

Bandit from Bluey  07:46

Okay. What about this? Okay, too rough. Now I know. All right. Now clear out you lot. I've got to Hey, where's my ball?

Emily Grant  08:01

I absolutely love how that episode models saying no and setting boundaries and asserting Bingo's needs respectfully without being punished or shamed. And I think it's really powerful how Bandit and Chilli encourage Bingo to practice these skills instead of just talking about them, I think Bluey does a really good job of modeling for both children and adults how to navigate these conversations and express their boundaries in a clear, healthy way. This isn't just limited to this one episode. It's a huge theme in the show, like when Bingo or Bluey or their friends don't want to play a certain game or they need some alone time they're not punished or shamed. 

Emily Grant  08:43

Another example in Sleepy Time, Bingo learns how to self soothe and respect her own sleep needs while her parents are gently reinforcing the boundaries surrounding bedtime.

Alyson Doty  08:56

Yeah, honestly, Sleepy Time is like my favorite episode. The first time I saw it, I sobbed, and and I think it's so beautiful because of, like, the metaphor of, like, the sun being Chilli, how she's still there for Bingo, but like, bingo still learning how to, like, be on her own. Like, I think she says, like, I want to wake up in my own bed today. And like, she's, like, so excited to, like, try this step that's like growing up and like stepping into, like, growing into, adulthood. So she's like, setting that boundary for herself. And Chilli's like expressing, like, I'm still here for you too. Like, know that, like, I'm respecting your boundary, and I'm still here if you need me. And I thought that was so beautiful and such just a really cool way to show like, how, like, these parents are respecting the boundaries and still expressing that if those boundaries like, if they need to reassess, they're still available to the kids there. 

Emily Grant  09:47

Yeah, I like that you mentioned how they validate the children's emotions while still setting their firm but kind boundaries and showing that adults can maintain structure and while modeling calm, consistent responses, when Bluey and Bingo push their limits, reinforcing that boundaries are about safety and care rather than just control. Do you have any other examples of setting parental boundaries around routines or transitions? 

Alyson Doty  10:12

Yeah, I think another really good episode that I would love to play a clip from is Wagon Ride. And it's like this moment where, like, the kids wake up Bandit, and they're like, "Hey, let's go to the monkey bars". And so he's like, "Ugh fine", because he's like, tired and like, dragging in the morning, every parents felt that, I'm sure. And then they're like, "let's take a wagon". And he's like, "Ugh, okay". But he, you can tell he's like, already kind of dragging, but he's like, still doing it, because he still wants to play with the kids. And they like, express that, like, just because they have energy in the morning and he doesn't, doesn't have as much. He still wants to, like, respect that, but as they're going along the path, like different adults keep walking up to Bandit, and he stops and talks with them. And kids don't understand, like, why they've stopped and like why adult conversations are happening when their mind is set on going to the park. And so I love this scene because Bluey comes up and interrupts him, and Bandit just sets a clear boundary of how that's not necessarily the best route to go about that. He still expresses to like and allows the space for Bluey to kind of say like, "Hey, I feel like you're not respecting what I want right now". And he acknowledges that, but he also sets like, a clear boundary of, like, "you can't interrupt me when I'm talking to another adult. Let's set up a new system." And so this is the clip that I'm going to show now, is like him setting up that that new that new step for them.

Rocko from Bluey  11:32

Morning Bandit, Hey kids. Oh, You're up early. 

Bandit from Bluey  11:32

Gotta be done. 

Bluey from Bluey  11:32

Hey! Why have we stopped? This isn't the monkey bars. Dad come on!

Bandit from Bluey  11:44

Bluey, I'm talking. 

Rocko from Bluey  11:46

I'll leave you guys to it. Bye, girls. 

Bandit from Bluey  11:49

Oh, okay, see you. Rocko. Bluey, if I'm talking to another grown up, you don't interrupt like that. Okay?

Bluey from Bluey  11:56

Dad, I've got a plan. You're not allowed to stop the wagon and chat to your friends, you have to take us straight to the monkey bars. No, stopping. 

Bandit from Bluey  12:06

Hmm. Interesting plan, I know. How about this plan? I'll do what I want, and you don't tell me what to do. 

Bluey from Bluey  12:13

No, I don't like that plan. We'll stick with mine. Thanks. 

Bandit from Bluey  12:16

Okay, no problems.

Bluey from Bluey  12:18

Wait. No. 

Bingo from Bluey  12:20

Yay! We're going home again

Bluey from Bluey  12:24

Okay, your plan,

Bandit from Bluey  12:26

Good decision. Okay, how about this? If I'm talking to a grown up and you want me, you just come up and put your hand on my arm. So now I know that you want to talk to me, then I'll do this to show you that I know you're there and that you want to talk to me. What do you think?

Bluey from Bluey  12:46

Yeah

Bandit from Bluey  12:47

All right, high five. Ah, got something in my eye.

Bluey from Bluey  12:53

Let's go!

Alyson Doty  12:56

Something I also really love about that scene is that Bluey feels safe enough to, like, kind of like talk back a little bit like, she's all like, "No, I don't like that plan. We'll stick with mine. Thanks." And I thought that that was so funny because it just shows that like, Bandit and Chilli have set a safe enough environment for the kids to kind of like, have that little bit of sass and be okay to, like, talk back and still set those boundaries. So I really love that scene a lot. 

Emily Grant  13:18

It's definitely a good model that reinforces mutual respect as a family value. It wasn't just like a one sided because I said so conversation. Another thing the show does really well is using play as connection and as a way to practice and rehearse boundary setting in very low stakes fun ways. The show centers play as a relational tool, not just entertainment. Bandit and Chilli are often engaging in these imaginative games that reflect their children's emotional needs, like fear, jealousy or grief, and help them process complex feelings in fun ways. Why is play such a powerful tool for modeling healthy relationships? 

Alyson Doty  14:00

Yeah, I think that play is, like, such a great way for children to just kind of understand things in a way that is, like, easy to understand for a child. That sounds a little repetitive, but it's like, so true that, like, as adults, we have different contexts and like, we've lived our life, and so it's sometimes easy to, like, talk to our kid like they're an adult and they're not going to understand that, you know, like they're operating the world for themselves. Honestly, like, I think at this point, like, Bingo is in preschool. She's not even, like, started kindergarten yet. And so I think these are, like, ways that play takes these things and teaches these important lessons in a way that is conceptualized and easy for the kids to understand. I also think it's just like a really accessible way for like the kids to see like in a safe environment, how these boundaries and like different ways can be set. 

Alyson Doty  14:46

One of my favorite episodes, and I'm trying to remember the name of it, but it's like when Bandit is pretending to be a toddler. I think his name is like Didums or something, and he's like, Bluey's kid. Like, it's like, Bingo and Bluey are, or Bingo and Bandit are Bluey's kids in this play. And like, Bluey tells him that Bingo is his favorite or her favorite, and then Bandit acts all hurt, and Bluey sees that in the play and, like, in the game, and she ends up feeling remorse for that. She feels bad that she told him this, and ends up saying about how she feels bad. Yeah, it's specifically called Kids. It's in the first season. It's like when they're in the grocery store. And, yeah, I think that that's just like, a really important way, a good like, game that they play 

Emily Grant  15:34

Absolutely and this really models attuned caregiving, where adults are meeting children at their developmental level, rather than imposing these rigid expectations or expecting them to understand the logical ways that adults think. A lot of times, kids, depending on their age, are thinking with their lizard brain rather than their wizard brain. So they're not only thinking emotions first, but they're also not developmentally able to think with the kind of logic that we use. They don't have that executive function, yet. 

Emily Grant  16:08

Something else that they really practice through play and also often model as parents, is calm, consistent responses when Bluey or Bingo pushed those limits. So Bluey is not just a source of entertainment, it also teaches. It offers a joyful, gentle blueprint of how families can nurture emotional safety, resilience and connection, as well as emotional regulation. What communication strategies do the Heeler family use that could be adapted in real life, parenting or teaching, including the ways that we regulate our own emotions in order to really model respectful disagreement and, um, kind of self regulate in order to have those conversations in a healthy way.

Alyson Doty  16:52

Yeah, I think we see this, um, quite often. And I think something that's really interesting is like the way that the show shows, different ways that this is handled, like through the different parents. So like we see this glimpse into other parenting styles, like with Bandit's brother, Stripe and his wife, and how Stripe and Aunt Trixie, Uncle stripe and Aunt Trixie, how they handle, like, the emotional regulation that Muffin expresses, I think sometimes show like it's less emotionally healthy. At times, I think like it shows that like, that's why Muffin is a little bit quicker to throw, like, a temper tantrum or like, not express like, what she's feeling. Whereas like Bandit and Chilli allow for this space of like, kind of like, healthy ways to express the emotions, like, whether they be angry emotions, or things like that for Bluey and Bingo. 

Alyson Doty  17:48

And so I think that that's a really cool way to show like, there is no like. It's not necessarily like that Stripe and Trixie are doing anything wrong, but it is just it shows a different comparison of how like, Bandit and Chilli just create, like, in my opinion, a little bit of a better way to, like, express emotions for their kids, and that's modeled through how they communicate and how if one of them is hurt, even like, in like, the small little instances we see in like, their little side conversations, like when the kids kind of run out of the room, is really funny To me. And I think that shows like, how the family as a whole just has healthy emotional regulation and ways to express our emotions that is not like destructive or like harmful to others. You know?

Emily Grant  18:33

Yeah, great points. Do any specific examples come to mind? 

Alyson Doty  18:37

Yeah, I think a really good example of this is specifically from the episode bird, stick or Stick Bird? Stick Bird. It's in the third season, and it's when they're at the beach, and Bingo makes this really cute little like animal out of a stick. And she calls it a stick bird, and some other kids come up and just knock it down unintentionally. I mean, it looked like a stick to them, so it's not like there was any like malice behind it, but Bingo gets really hurt. And something that's really, really cool about the scene is, like, Bluey ends up like, modeling for Bingo, like, in a really cool way for her younger sister of how to express her emotions in a healthy way. And Bandit ends up actually doing the same thing. Because we see kind of like, it doesn't say explicitly what happens, but we can infer that through his work, maybe there are some things that he's upset about, and he ends up like modeling this same way of like expressing the emotions at the end. And so it's a really cool way to show it. So I'm gonna play that clip now from the episode Stick Bird. 

Bingo from Bluey  19:34

I'm angry

Bandit from Bluey  19:35

Some kids ruined her stick bird. 

Bluey from Bluey  19:37

Oh, I can show you a trick my buddy Mia taught me, if you like, it's for after you're upset and angry. Okay, so you have to collect all the upset and all the angry. 

Bingo from Bluey  19:50

How do I collect upset and angry? 

Bluey from Bluey  19:53

You just feel where it is and go get it. There's usually some in your belly or your neck, and always remember to check your ears.

Bingo from Bluey  20:03

Ok

Bluey from Bluey  20:08

Now you've got all that upset and angry in your hands. 

Bingo from Bluey  20:12

What do I do with it? 

Bluey from Bluey  20:14

Do you want to keep it?

Bingo from Bluey  20:15

No, I don't want it. 

Bluey from Bluey  20:15

Well, what do you do with something you don't want anymore. 

Bingo from Bluey  20:16

Give it to you?

Bluey from Bluey  20:17

I don't want it

Bandit from Bluey  20:20

Yeah, me neither

Bingo from Bluey  20:20

What do I do with it?

Bluey from Bluey  20:29

You throw it away. Like mum said, You need to throw this thing really far. 

Bingo from Bluey  20:36

Stand sideways like on a skateboard. 

Bluey from Bluey  20:40

Bend your knees. Yep, get comfy. That's good. It's going all the

Speaker 1  20:49

way up to sea. There. Did you see it? Yes, it was a billion miles away. Good throw. Yeah. Good one. Bingo.

Bluey from Bluey  21:02

Bend your knees. Yep, get comfy. That's good. 

Bandit from Bluey  21:03

Woah!It's going all the way out to sea. 

Bluey from Bluey  21:05

Look for the splash! Look for the splash!

Bandit from Bluey  21:06

There. Did you see it? 

Bingo from Bluey  21:07

Yes, it was a billion miles away. 

Bandit from Bluey  21:08

Good throw.

Bluey from Bluey  21:09

Yeah. Good one, Bingo.

Bingo from Bluey  21:10

Thanks! 

Bandit from Bluey  21:10

So how do you feel?

Bingo from Bluey  21:11

Good! Yay. Thanks. Bluey

Bandit from Bluey  21:12

Yeah, thanks. Bluey, 

Bluey from Bluey  21:12

Thank Mia. She taught me Oh, and mum for the throwing bit. 

Bingo from Bluey  21:14

Can we have a race to mom? 

Bluey from Bluey  21:14

Yeah, Dad, you want to race too? 

Bandit from Bluey  21:16

Yeah, okay, I'll give you a head start. 

21:18

Okay? Long

Alyson Doty  21:40

I

Bingo from Bluey  21:41

Okay. Ready set go!

Alyson Doty  21:45

See, I think that that scene is just really cool. Um, it's kind of hard over the podcast, because you can't really see the end, but it's, Bandit just kind of like taking his own upset and his own angry and throwing it as far as he can. 

Emily Grant  22:00

Yeah. So these mindfulness techniques, like noticing where in your body you are feeling these big emotions and how to manage these big feelings, are skills that not just kids can benefit from, but also us as adults, and maybe even a resource that educators, therapists or advocates can use for teaching emotionally, emotional intelligence and healthy relationships 

Alyson Doty  22:23

Talking about emotional regulation. Another really good episode is, I think it's like, Bingo's bad day. And it's like when she or her bad mood, or something like that, and she experiences something that is upsetting, and she decides that she is going to be in a bad mood, and that bad mood is actually like, Bandit in a viking hat. And like, he like, she allows like, he allows her to walk on his feet. And like is, like, all grouchy for her, and it like, brings up her spirit, and then like makes her smile and laugh, and like Bandit or Bluey and Chilli just go along with it. They're like, "oh yeah. This is so like, Bingo is in a bad mood. Oh no". And then they like, like, play along with it. And it gets to the point where she's no longer, like, in a bad mood. And so then Bandit is like, okay, yeah, I don't need to to keep playing in this way. And then she's all like, "wait, no, like, I quite enjoyed that". And so then she does something else that, like, she gets in a bad mood, quote, unquote, like, not really, but kind of gets in a bad mood again. So then she can keep playing in this way. And I think it's a really cool way to show, like that the emotions she was feeling weren't wrong. And there's still ways that she was able to, kind of, like, reverse that, you know?

Emily Grant  23:30

Yeah, that's a really great example of, like, validating Bingo's feelings while also encouraging her to feel those feelings but not dwell on them, showing, like, real, practical examples of how to get out of that bad mood. Why do you think Bluey resonates so deeply, deeply with adults and not just kids?

Alyson Doty  23:48

I think that I once saw a Tik Tok video, and I felt really called out by it, but I thought it was really funny, but it was, it was someone saying, like, what does this kid's show? Your favorite kid's show say about you? And it pulled up Bluey, and it said you are actively trying to reparent yourself. And I was like, "whoa!" And then I was like, but it's true, like I do feel like I watch this and it resonates so deeply with me as an adult, because it teaches me healthy coping strategies that I did not learn in my childhood, and like ways that I can express my emotions, I can set boundaries. 

Alyson Doty  24:18

So yeah, I think there's that, and then I also think it's just really relatable. One of another really great episode is the whale or Whale Watching, and you can clearly tell, like, to a kid, it's just like, oh yeah, the parents are tired, but like, they even say, like, that Bandit and Chilli had been at a party, and like, maybe they're a little hungover. And so it's just like, it shows that, like they're hungover, but they're still showing up for their kids. They're still playing. And also, like, Chilli's like, "Yeah, bring me some chips right now. Like, that sounds so good chips and dip. That's where I'm at". Like, it's like, through, like, her hungover, like, food craze, and like, she's still playing the whale, and like, Bandit's still playing the the boat while he's like, laying on the ground. And so they're still, like, being there and present for their kids while also like having partied the night before for New Year's, and it's really funny, but relatable. Like each parent has had a moment like that. I, as an aunt, have had a moment where I'm like, I am tired of hanging out with this little one that I love so much, but I still have to show up, and I'm still showing up in in the best way that I can. 

Emily Grant  25:19

Anything else you'd like to add, Alyson? 

Alyson Doty  25:21

Yeah, I think it's just, I think Bluey is just a great show. I will be able to, like, talk about it any day. I have gotten to the point where, like, I have, like, different like shirts and things like that, like different merch. 

Alyson Doty  25:37

I think another really good episode that my sister quotes to me all the time, and she says it's her favorite one is Dance Mode. And as Bingo, kind of is hurt by something that Bandit did he ate like her last fry that she was saving. They make a deal with her that she can like, do this game dance mode. And it's like where, no matter where, at three points throughout the day, if she hears music, she can make her parents dance, and they're very embarrassed by it, but they still do so, because they know that they hurt her, and allow for that space to be allow for that hurt to be felt and be heard, and to kind of like show their apology in this way. And at the end, when they're in, like the most public space they've been in at this point, they're about to, like, Bingo is about to do the dance mode, and like, Bandit yells out, "ladies and gentlemen, I'm doing this for my kid." And my sister has told me that that is her favorite line in the whole show, because that is what comes with parenting. Is like, there's going to be things that are embarrassing, there's going to be things that, like, are difficult to operate in our world. There's going to be things that you mess up as a parent, because it's your first time being a parent, and like, operating this world in this new way of, like, taking care of a little human. But if you just announce to the world, like, I'm doing this for my kid, it just shows, like, the love and the care that you have for the little being that you're raising. You know?

Emily Grant  26:58

Do you have any final thoughts to share, Alyson?

Alyson Doty  27:02

Yeah, I think that Bluey is just a really great show that models like extreme healthy boundaries and healthy relationships, how, even if you're a parent, or like someone like me, who's not a parent, but is still learning lessons from it, it's just how to operate in this world and like, be just a good person. I think is a really great example. 

Alyson Doty  27:25

But yeah, I think that everyone that I tell from here is like, if you're like, listening to this podcast and you're like, "Well, what should I do?" First step, go watch Bluey. Like, I think that that's the first step. But also, like, allow yourself to feel the emotions that come up throughout it. I think that there's sometimes, like, societal stigma, or like, some shame, of like, "Oh no, I'm like, crying to this, like, TV show that's meant for a little kid". And like, that's okay, like I said, it's, it's like the way of re parenting yourself, maybe fixing some of your own trauma, or, like, just kind of, like letting yourself feel those emotions. Because that's what Bluey would want. That's what Bandit and Chilli would teach us is to allow ourselves to feel those emotions. But Emily, do you have anything else you want to add about like, what a listener should do from here or like, thoughts on Bluey? 

Emily Grant  28:11

Yeah. So as we wrap up, we hope this conversation leaves you seeing Bluey with fresh eyes, not just as a sweet kid show, but as a gentle blueprint for emotional intelligence, boundaries and healthy relationships. Bandit and chili remind us that repair matters more than perfection, that play is a powerful connector, and that kids thrive when adults meet them with empathy and clarity. Whether you're a parent, an educator, an advocate or just someone who loves good storytelling, there's something in Bluey that can deepen how we show up for the people we care about. Thanks for joining us today, and we'll see you next time on Phoenix Cast

PCA Staff  29:06

DANCE MODE!

Bluey from Bluey  29:07

We're ready Bingo!

Bingo from Bluey  29:08

This is gonna be fun! Ready?

Bandit from Bluey  29:12

Ladies and gentlemen I am doing this for my kid!

Emily Grant  29:15

If you or someone you know is experiencing interpersonal violence, please come visit us at the Phoenix Center located in Tivoli 227, or call our 24/7 Helpline at 303-556-2255 or schedule an appointment on our website at the thepca.org

Speaker 2  29:35

you you.