4 Kids’ TV Shows about Parenting and Parenting Tips
Vittoria Allen - September 23, 2024
If you know this show, you love this show. Bluey is a worldwide phenomenon that has parents and kids alike laughing and crying and cherishing these 7-minute clips of pure joy.   Yes, it’s a children’s show. But it’s become so much more. And parents are recognizing that the show is just as much for them as it is for their kids.   Whether you're navigating the joys and challenges of parenthood or looking for a way to connect with your child, Bluey (and a few others) offers insightful lessons and tips. Let’s look at a few of our favorite children’s TV shows (that are also shows about parenting) and the lessons we’ve learned from them.   

Bluey  

Bluey is an Australian animated series and a goldmine of parenting wisdom. The show often portrays realistic family dynamics and the importance of play.   Is Bluey a parenting show? This show is full of relatable family moments and subtle yet powerful parenting lessons, making it relatable and educational for parents and kids alike. Chilli and Bandit help you believe that low stress parenting just might be possible.   Here are some key lessons that parents can learn from the show: 
  1. The Importance of Play
   - Episodes like "The Claw" and "Grannies" emphasize that play is crucial for children's development. Parents can see how Bluey's parents, Bandit and Chilli, often engage in imaginative play with their children, showing the value of creativity and the joy of spending quality time together. 
  1. Patience and Understanding
   - In "Baby Race," the show depicts Chilli's journey of patience as she watches Bluey grow at her own pace. This episode teaches parents to appreciate their child's unique timeline and milestones without comparison to others. 
  1. Empathy and Emotional Intelligence
   - "Sleepytime" is another favorite that portrays the gentle and understanding nature of Bandit and Chilli as they navigate Bluey's nighttime fears. The episode teaches parents to be empathetic and supportive, helping children understand and manage their emotions. 
  1. Encouraging Independence
   - In episodes like "Bike" and "Keepy Uppy," Bandit and Chilli encourage their children to solve problems on their own. This shows the importance of giving children space to develop independence and resilience, while still providing support and encouragement. 
  1. Balancing Work and Family Life
   - Bluey often highlights the challenges and joys of balancing work and family. Episodes like "Work" show Bandit and Chilli managing their professional responsibilities while making time for their kids. It’s so relatable for the modern parent trying to balance responsibility with quality time. 
  1. Handling Misbehavior with Calmness
   - In "Markets," the parents handle Bluey's misbehavior with calm and understanding, using it as a teaching moment rather than resorting to punishment. This teaches parents the importance of staying calm and using gentle discipline to guide their children. 
  1. Celebrating Everyday Moments
   - Bluey excels at highlighting the beauty in everyday moments. "Camping" and "Ice Cream" remind parents to cherish the simple joys and create lasting memories with their children. The episode titled ”Rain” in season 3 almost brought me to tears. And there’s no dialogue in the episode at all. It shows Bluey playing in the rain and mom trying to keep the house clean. She finally gives into the moment and enjoys the present moment with Bluey. A reminder I often need. 
  1. Handling Interruptions
-  In “Wagon Ride”, Bluey is struggling with patience and keeps interrupting Bandit. He gives her a tip to help them both communicate what they need and practice patience. My kids use this tip all the time, it’s so helpful! Turns out that it’s also a tool Montessori teachers use.  
@montessori_by_juneBet you didn’t know this was a Montessori trick?!? I talked about this trick in a reel awhile ago and someone accused me of stealing it from Bluey 😂😂 well guess what my mom used this trick with us more than 20 years ago and I’ve seen it used in every montessori classroom I’ve observed!!! It’s called the hand on the shoulder trick. I actually have my daughter put her hand in my leg because it’s more at her level. This is a great way to set a boundary with your child about not interrupting but also allow them to get your attention in a respectful way! It can go both ways. You can also do this to your child to get their attention when they are concentrated or playing!! Would you try this with your child?!?♬ original sound - Montessori_by_june
Here are a few more tips for teaching Montessori at home. 
  1. School Dropoffs
- Episodes like “Daddy Dropoff” and “Bin Night” help address a few of the many feelings that might arise in our little ones when it comes to back to school anxiety.  

Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood   

Parenting Lessons: Inspired by the classic "Mister Rogers' Neighborhood," Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood teaches emotional intelligence and social skills. Episodes often deal with everyday issues like dealing with feelings, sharing, and patience. Parents can learn from the gentle, respectful way Daniel's parents address his concerns, offering a model for empathetic and effective communication. The show provides practical strategies, such as using simple songs to help children remember important lessons. 

Sesame Street 

Parenting Lessons: A staple in children's programming, Sesame Street has been teaching valuable life lessons for over 50 years. It covers a broad range of topics, from diversity and inclusion to basic literacy and math. For parents, Sesame Street offers a reminder of the importance of fostering a safe and loving environment for their children. The show’s diverse cast and storylines can help parents teach their children about empathy and kindness in a multicultural world. 

Little Bear 

Little Bear, a charming animated series based on the books by Else Holmelund Minarik, offers numerous gentle and heartwarming parenting lessons. The show revolves around the adventures of Little Bear and his interactions with family and friends, often highlighting valuable life lessons. "Little Bear" is a wonderful example of a children's show that gently imparts valuable lessons through storytelling, making it a great resource for parents looking to reinforce positive behaviors and attitudes in their children:  Here are a few parenting lessons from Little Bear: 
  1. Nurturing Imagination
- The show often depicts Little Bear engaging in imaginative play, whether he's pretending to be a space explorer or a sea captain. It teaches parents the importance of nurturing their children's creativity and imagination, allowing them to explore and learn through play. 
  1. The Value of Friendship
   - Little Bear's interactions with his friends—Duck, Owl, Cat, and Hen—emphasize the value of friendship. The show demonstrates how to resolve conflicts, share, and show kindness to others, teaching parents to encourage positive social interactions in their children's lives. 
  1. Patience and Understanding
   - Mother Bear and Father Bear model patience and understanding in their parenting approach. Whether Little Bear is asking questions or making mistakes, they respond with gentle guidance and support, teaching parents the importance of patience in nurturing a child's curiosity and growth. 
  1. Respecting Nature
   -  The show frequently features adventures in the forest and interactions with nature, teaching respect for the environment and the importance of exploring the outdoors. It encourages parents to introduce their children to the wonders of nature and instill a sense of environmental stewardship. 
  1. Family Bonding
   -  "Little Bear" often showcases family activities, like preparing meals together or storytelling. These moments highlight the importance of spending quality time as a family, creating a sense of closeness and security for children. 
  1. Emotional Expression
   - The characters in "Little Bear" openly express their emotions, from joy to sadness to frustration. This openness encourages parents to create a safe space for their children to express their feelings and teaches them how to manage and communicate their emotions effectively.      Choosing the right TV shows can be a beneficial part of your parenting toolkit. Shows like Bluey, Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood, and Sesame Street offer more than just entertainment; they provide valuable lessons for both children and parents. By being mindful of the content and managing screen time wisely, you can enhance your child's learning and development while also finding moments of connection and joy.