Top 10 Times Bandit Was an Amazing Dad on Bluey

No parent is perfect, not even Bandit. The father Blue Heeler doesn’t always practice the best parenting techniques. And he sometimes plays a little too rough. However, when he jokingly agrees that he’s the best dad ever, Bluey and Bingo take his word for it. He proclaims himself all-knowing, and the world’s superior driver, even though that’s not the case. It’s not until the girls catch him sneakily trying to toss Bluey’s drawings that he fesses up. After he admits to his flaws, Bandit demonstrates what he does have going for him. He teaches the girls about recycling, helps Bingo with her game of rainbow cars, and makes their ride home more enjoyable. He may not be perfect, but he’s pretty close.

When Bluey, Bingo, and their pal Mackenzie get bored on the playground, Bandit accompanies them on an outdoor exhibition through the creek. He helps his youngest daughter cross the tricky terrain by carrying her on his back and later holding her hand. Meanwhile, Bluey is clearly nervous about the adventure, but her father’s calm and reassuring demeanor encourages her to push forward. He’s there for her when she falls down a small hill and when she’s scared to jump across the stream, which helps her overcome her hesitations. Bandit never invalidates his child’s fears, but helps her overcome them. Thanks to his patience and support, Bluey gets to experience all the magic the creek has to offer.

Parents can’t prevent their kids from making mistakes, but they can try to guide them away from making the same ones they once did. This is what Bandit does when he tells his daughters a story from his childhood. The Blue Heeler recalls a time when he wasn’t kind to his younger brother, Stripe, and ended up facing the consequences. Although his curse of silence felt unfair, it helped him reflect on how he’d messed up. Bandit uses this tale to teach his daughters a lesson about being kind, and also to encourage them to have faith. While Chilli doubts part of the story is true, Bandit leaves it up to the kids to decide whether or not they want to believe the fairytale.

Take notes, because here Bandit demonstrates fantastic child rearing skills. He enters a pretty relatable scenario when Bluey gets impatient and rudely cuts into his conversation with another adult. After expressing that she shouldn’t interrupt, Bandit suggests a tactic Bluey can use to better communicate. This moment is great because he doesn’t just tell her to be better, he gives her the tools to do so. He sets boundaries while also validating his daughter's desire to get to the park. Although this doesn’t magically solve her struggles with being patient, Bluey learns how to interact with others more politely while still expressing own wants.

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#6: Not Picking Favorites
“Kids”

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When Bluey asks her dad a tricky question, he responds with the right answer. He assures her that parents don’t pick “favorites,” but that doesn’t stop Bluey from becoming intrigued by the idea. During a game of “Kids,” she plays as a mom who treats one of her children more harshly than the other. She outright admits she likes her daughter Snowdrop more than her son Diddums after telling him to go sit in time out. Impressively, Bandit sticks to his role as the neglected child and demonstrates how favoritism can negatively affect kids. This allows Bluey to observe the consequences of her actions on her own. Thanks to Bandit, she learns her lesson and makes things right.

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#5: Making Time for His Kids
“Trampoline”

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Balancing kids and a career is a challenge that’s hard to get right, but Bandit tries his best. When his daughters try to keep him from going to work, he briefly entertains their attempts. Bandit plays a few games with Bluey and Bingo on the trampoline before finally convincing them to let him depart. He doesn’t leave the girls high and dry, though. Before taking off, Bandit assigns Bluey a job of her own, which gives her a sense of purpose and ultimately keeps both girls entertained. The whole bit demonstrates three things. First, it confirms that Bluey and Bingo love being with their dad. Second, it illustrates that Bandit prioritizes family time. Finally, it shows that he’s shaping his kids to be independent.

Sometimes, the best thing a parent can do is to let go of control and live in the moment. This is what Bandit realizes when he brings Bluey and Bingo to pick up a to-go order, as things get chaotic. At one point, he momentarily leaves the girls unattended outside the restaurant to check on the food. He returns to find things have gone completely off the rails. After helping Bingo take a “bush wee,” fending off crows, and shutting off the overflowing tap, Bandit falls and is left with a mess – plus nothing to eat. He’s initially discouraged, but his spirits lift when Bluey’s fortune cookie offers some sage advice. He’s reminded that childhood is fleeting, and encourages the girls to enjoy themselves.

Bandit loves to spend time with his girls, so leaving them can’t be easy. When he’s required to go on a six week business trip, he doesn’t know how to break the news to his youngest. Bingo eventually learns about it from Mackenzie and confronts her father, who comes clean. He tries to comfort her and is honest, but she really starts to feel better when she faces her problems head on. Bandit then expresses how proud he is of his daughter by calling her his “hero.” She’s the last one he hugs before leaving, and the first one he hugs when he gets back. These moments and their relationship as a whole demonstrates just how sweet Bandit is as a dad.

Bluey is copying her father on his morning walk when she discovers a wounded budgie. Bandit decides to bring the bird to the vet, and asks her to help him by preparing a box. Throughout the incident, Bandit remains calm and answers all of Bluey’s questions. He also comforts her when the budgie doesn’t make it, and explains that the creature won’t be coming back. Talking about death with children can be tricky, but being the excellent father that he is, Bandit keeps things simple and straightforward. It’s likely that this is Bluey’s first major encounter with death, and her dad handles it very well. He sets a good example for his daughter, and she mimics his actions later during play.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions.

Including All of Bluey's Friends, “Seesaw”
The Fully Grown Heeler Ensures Pom Pom Plays an Important Role in Tipping the Scales

Teaching Bluey to Help Others, “Duck Cake”
Bandit Helps His Daughter Realize That Doing So Makes Her Tail Wag

Letting Kids Make Mistakes, “Bike”
Sometimes, Sitting Back & Doing Nothing Is the Best Thing for Bandit to Do

Parenting Solo for the Night, “Daddy Putdown”
Bandit Does His Best While Bluey Is Missing Her Mom

Remembering What It's Like to Be Young, “Rug Island”
He May Be an Adult, but Bandit Is an Honorary Kid

Whenever he plays with his daughters or their friends, which is often, Bandit completely commits to the game. He pretends to be under spells and plays various roles such as a robot, a patient, different animals and more. Bandit submits to the kids’ imagination and follows their lead, even when it requires him to embarrass himself or undergo rough treatment. He hilariously makes a fool of himself because of dance mode, and receives unorthodox treatments for “nits” while playing “hairdressers”. Some games contain moral lessons, others simulate adult life in an environment safe for children, and some are simply fun. Whatever kind of game it is, Bandit’s willingness to play makes him an incredible dad.