I’ll admit, I usually struggle with your Fictional Dads pieces because I don’t know most of the characters. I’m not a TV person, and not born American, so a lot of the references slip past me. But Bluey’s father—didn’t even know his name was Bandit—I actually know that one. We usually laugh at how silly he gets, and sometimes I even get the compliment: “sometimes you’re a silly dad too.”
The “want to trade” moment really made me pause. I’m trying to picture how I could use that with my kids. In adult life we’re constantly picking up someone else’s half‑finished work or continuing what they started. It’s basically the relay baton idea—passing something forward rather than perfecting it. A great way to teach kids that collaboration isn’t about perfection, it’s about continuity.
Thanks! The trading legos game is probably equal parts frustration, acceptance, and creativity. Frustration when they ask to trade when I finally have something I like. Acceptance that I just need to move on the building onto their piece. And creativity over and over again as the trades continue.
While not a parent myself, I really appreciate that fact in Bluey. I always marveled at how their dad could so easily integrate himself into their games and build all these connections.
I’ll admit, I usually struggle with your Fictional Dads pieces because I don’t know most of the characters. I’m not a TV person, and not born American, so a lot of the references slip past me. But Bluey’s father—didn’t even know his name was Bandit—I actually know that one. We usually laugh at how silly he gets, and sometimes I even get the compliment: “sometimes you’re a silly dad too.”
The “want to trade” moment really made me pause. I’m trying to picture how I could use that with my kids. In adult life we’re constantly picking up someone else’s half‑finished work or continuing what they started. It’s basically the relay baton idea—passing something forward rather than perfecting it. A great way to teach kids that collaboration isn’t about perfection, it’s about continuity.
Great piece!
Thanks! The trading legos game is probably equal parts frustration, acceptance, and creativity. Frustration when they ask to trade when I finally have something I like. Acceptance that I just need to move on the building onto their piece. And creativity over and over again as the trades continue.
Plus, Bandit is an amazing dad!
While not a parent myself, I really appreciate that fact in Bluey. I always marveled at how their dad could so easily integrate himself into their games and build all these connections.
Lovely post, Jeremy, can't wait to read more!
I enjoyed today's post man. appreciate your thoughts and your call to be more present and to put down the phone.
Always good stuff here
Thanks for sharing the lessons you’re learning.
Bluey is a big time favorite in our household. I really enjoyed this article and how we can use Bandit’s strategies in our everyday parenting.