Top 20 Things in Bluey Only Adults Understand

“Hospital”
Any adult who’s found themselves exhausted after hanging out with children for an extended period of time will relate to Bandit here. The dad is always willing to play with his daughters, but keeping up with kids can be challenging, not to mention physically taxing. Lots of activities require him to lift and carry the girls, which can get tiring after a while. After simulating mountain climbing with then-four-year old Bingo, Bandit doesn’t have it in him to play the same way with his oldest. So he tries his luck and suggests finding a game that requires minimal effort on his part. Unfortunately for him, the girls come up with an activity that’s even more physically discomforting.

“The Claw”
Raising children can be one of the most rewarding things there is. That being said, it’s also incredibly time consuming. Bandit makes a quip about this while simulating a claw machine for his girls. His joke probably eludes Bluey and Bingo, but it certainly lands with older viewers, especially those who are parents themselves. The Blue Heeler obviously doesn’t regret his choice to become a dad, but his playful resentment towards the loss of his free time is relatable. If you have kids and are sometimes a tiny bit jealous of the magic claw’s childfree, carefree life, we can’t say we blame you.

“Mum School”
Parents can seem perfect from their childrens’ perspective, but the reality is that everybody makes mistakes, including adults. This idea is explored while Bluey is playing “mum school” under Chilli’s guidance. After one of her balloon children floats away, the young dog is disappointed with herself, thinking she failed as a mother. Chilli assures her that not only will Greenie be alright, but also that messing up occasionally is perfectly normal. This moment serves as a reminder for parents who might be too hard on themselves. Raising children is a high-pressure task, but we aren’t defined by our shortcomings. Making mistakes is okay, even in parenthood.

“Pass the Parcel”
“Bluey’s” “Pass the Parcel” episode has a straightforward message for kids about learning to be a good loser. However, it proved controversial in adult circles. So which side do you fall on? Is one big present in the center better for character building? Or should you put a treat in each layer so everyone can win a little? Lucky’s dad thinks that the world’s gone soft, while the rest of the parents are more willing to embrace the changing times. The episode itself seems to indicate that kids are tougher than they look and they’ll learn to love “Lucky’s Dad’s rules.” But does every party game have to teach a lesson, or is it just supposed to be a bit of fun?

“Grandad”
As well as making us laugh, this kids’ show really knows how to tug at the heartstrings. In “Grandad” Chilli and the girls are visiting grandpa Mort. Chilli worries that her dad doesn’t look after himself properly, but he’s not impressed by her coddling. The episode tackles the relationship between grown-up children and their parents, and definitely feels aimed more at the adult audience than their pre-schoolers. The final scene is absolutely touching, capable of bringing a tear to the eye – especially if it catches you off guard. Sitting with her father and watching the girls swim, Chilli gets nostalgic. Her dad used to bring her to the same place as a child - but it doesn’t seem so long ago to Mort.

“Bob Bilby”
Anyone who’s been around for a while will appreciate this hilarious moment, and parents will find it especially relatable. It shows Bandit rustling through a milk crate of his old things and reminiscing on his earlier days. He mentions once being cool, but based on Bluey and Bingo’s reactions, they doubt he ever was. The artifacts of Bandit’s life before kids are a symbol of just how many years have passed. The polaroid camera he whips out was probably purchased new, but would now be considered vintage by many. Bandit might have been young and hip once, but this funny instance reminds us that time changes all. We think he’s still pretty cool, though.

"Seesaw"
The majority of the primary storylines in “Bluey” focus on the children - and most of the adult drama revolves around them too. However, occasionally, you do catch snippets of grown-up conversations that have nothing to do with the little ones. One of our favorite examples of this is in the season 2 episode “Seesaw.” Chilli and Pom-Pom’s mom are talking all things TV. The character and show under discussion both remain unnamed, but we’re pretty certain that this is a “Stranger Things” reference. Guess now we know what the Heelers are watching when the kids are in bed, and we’re not surprised they have great taste!

“Stumpfest”
The grown-ups in “Bluey” are great parents, and they’re also likeably human - if you ignore the fact that they’re cartoon dogs. In “Stumpfest,” Bluey learns that adults like to play too, while we discover that Chilli and Trixie can certainly handle their drinks. The moms watch from upstairs, enjoying some refreshing ‘lemonade’, while the dads play at ripping up tree stumps. The ladies heckle them from the upstairs balcony, appearing tipsier by the minute while the central saga of stumpfest vs nail salon plays out on the ground. When Bandit and co break for a well earned drink, they discover that there’s something potent in that lemonade…

“Faceytalk”
Ideally, people raising children together would always be on the same page, but that doesn’t happen without proper communication. “Faceytalk” speaks to us viewers who have worked through a disagreement with a significant other. Bluey and Bingo’s uncle and aunt are shown having a tense discussion about using time out. There’s clearly a misunderstanding between the two, and for a while there, it doesn’t sound good. We can’t hear the end of Stripe and Trixie’s conversation, but we do see them make up with a hug. Differences of opinion are normal between partners and co-parents, and provide an opportunity to model good conflict resolution skills.

“Early Baby”
Bluey and her friends are pretending to be medical professionals and patients in labor when Indy, inspired by her sister, feigns having a premature baby. She teaches the others about how to care for her infant, notably instructing them to wash their hands and place her in an incubator. It’s a cute moment for kids, who likely won’t think too much about what they’re seeing. But older viewers understand that the reality of preterm birth can often be stressful and scary. Indy only pretends to be anxious when she’s asked to leave, but many new parents of preemies know that feeling well.

“Sheep Dog”
Those with children as young as Bluey and Bingo rarely have a minute to themselves. So sometimes, they have to actively carve that time out – that’s what Chilli does in “Sheep Dog.” She asks for twenty minutes where she’s left alone, which her husband does his best to protect. Bluey doesn’t understand why Chilli wants privacy at first, but we do – and so do Bandit and Wendy. Minding kids is a tiring job and carers deserve breaks. After all, balancing childcare with other responsibilities like a career and domestic duties can sometimes be too much. “Bluey” validates the hard work that Chilli and other parents do, while also highlighting their natural need to rest.

“Yoga Ball”
The Heeler parents know how to have fun with their kids and Bandit, in particular, can often get carried away with a game. In “Yoga Ball” Bingo and Bluey ask for an old favorite. For the girls, it’s just running away from a ball, but to their dad, it’s “Raiders.” As an eighties kid, “Indiana Jones” is firmly within Bandit’s frame of reference. The adult audience will recognize the nod to “Raiders of the Lost Ark” even if it goes over the kids’ heads. It’s a throwaway reference, but a perfect fit for Bandit’s ‘fun dad’ persona.

“Sticky Gecko”
This hilarious episode spotlighting Chilli feels straight out of real life. Anyone who’s tried to wrangle children out the door before understands just how difficult a task it is, made increasingly challenging the more kids there are. Bluey and Bingo’s mom does her best to get the girls ready to go to the park, but they have a hard time following directions and keep getting distracted. They notably decide it’s the perfect moment to play sticky gecko, much to Chilli’s dismay. She does her best to keep her cool amid the chaos, but eventually loses her patience – before ultimately mastering the situation. Watching this as adults, we feel bad for putting our own parents through this sort of thing in the past!

“The Show”
The writing in “Bluey” can be very subtle for a show aimed mostly at preschoolers. It often drops hints about family life that are picked up on in later episodes, or that help round out the world with a bit of extra information. For example, some viewers think that Grandad Bob may be suffering from dementia. Another blink-and-you’ll-miss it moment implies that Chilli may have lost a baby before Bluey. The girls are putting on a show of their parents’ life together and Bingo wears a balloon under her shirt to indicate pregnancy. When the balloon pops, there’s a tense moment and Bandit grabs Chilli’s hand. It’s brief, but the inclusion of this unexpected reaction seems to suggest a possible miscarriage.

“Fairytale”
A lot of younger parents will have missed the eighties altogether, but that doesn’t mean they didn’t grow up in a different climate than their kids. There are definitely moments in the flashback episode “Fairytale” that will still strike a chord. If you remember cassette tapes, or know exactly what happens when you break a jinx, this one’s bound to stir up some nostalgia. You might even recognize the “She-Ra” costume worn by young Chilli (if it is young Chilli - there’s some dispute.) Placing Bandit and Chilli’s childhoods specifically in the eighties is a treat for parents of the era, giving them a chance to relive some memorable experiences.

“Perfect”
In another one of those background conversations between the grown-ups, we catch an interesting tidbit of information from Bandit. In a chat with Fido at a Father’s Day barbecue, the two dads appear to be discussing the pros and cons of getting the snip. Since they’re dogs, presumably the official term is ‘neutered.’ Chilli may be unsure about such a big decision, but by the next episode it seems she’s made her mind up. In “Bedroom,” the family are clearing out the old nursery. In the US broadcast however, the conversation between the dads was subtly altered so that they’re discussing having teeth removed instead.

“Whale Watching”
It’s been a big New Year for the Heeler parents. After a party at Uncle Stripe’s place, they’re feeling a bit fragile – if you know what we mean. But parenthood never stops, and the girls still want to play. ‘Rough seas’ are not what you want when you’re already feeling, well, rough, and seeing the typically energetic mom and dad longing for calm is pretty amusing. It’s also likely to be relatable for many adults! At least the whale game involves lying down and - on Chilli’s part - wolfing down some hangover treats. Still, we all need a break sometimes, and a bit of screen time proves the perfect temporary distraction for Bluey and Bingo. Plus, it gives Chilli the exact boost she needs!

“Flat Pack”
“Flat Pack” contains several layers of deep meaning that the show’s youngest viewers wouldn’t yet be able to grasp. Indeed, Bluey and Bingo’s game replicates evolution and the development of human society, concepts that can be found in high school curriculums. The sisters play as mother and child, progressively getting older until Bingo’s character is ready to go off alone. Bluey’s ascent up the stairs is thought to signify death, and her afterlife has religious undertones. It’s not uncommon for kids to learn simplified versions of these complex topics. But those of us with more years under our belts tend to have a better understanding of them. On a lighter note, Bandit and Chilli’s project throughout the episode speaks to anyone who’s assembled IKEA furniture!

“Onesies”
We wouldn’t typically expect a children’s show to tackle the complicated topic of infertility, but “Bluey” does so beautifully in “Onesies”. Things are kept vague and probably go over the heads of younger audiences. But for those of us old enough to guess at what’s going on, it hits hard. A long overdue visit from her sister Brandy prompts Chilli to try to explain her difficult situation to Bluey. The mom relates Brandy’s struggle to Bluey’s desire for a onesie she can’t have. It’s implied that Brandy is unable to get pregnant, despite the fact that she wants to. Bingo running away from her aunt in the yard is widely believed to symbolize the situation, and breaks our hearts.

“Baby Race”
“Bluey” is great at tackling serious topics in a gentle but informative way that kids will be able to understand. However, on occasion, it speaks directly to the adults. In “Baby Race” Chilli looks back to her early days as a mother. When Bluey doesn’t progress as quickly as the other babies, a touch of parental guilt sets in. Just when Chilli’s feeling at her lowest, someone more experienced is right there, ready to give her some encouragement. When Coco’s mom looks right at the camera, it feels like she’s speaking to all the parents at home who might be struggling or doubting themselves. Her kind words might be simple, but they could be exactly what someone needs to hear.