IS BLUEY MOVING?!?!?!?!
Just a little panic at breakfast..nbd
Some music to soothe you as we discuss Bluey.
PS. Thanks for reading my thoughts on Motherhood. If you would like to read last weeks post, you can do so here. Because well, what do you do when you rock bottom your bottom?
PPS. The Podcast, “Today, Explained” did a wonderful piece on Bluey and children’s shows. I Totally had no idea when I published this piece today but I think it just highlights everything I have talked about here. To read more, here is the link!
Panic at Breakfast - Bluey what?!
- Spoiler alert at the end of the latest Bluey episode.
While brewing another hot Nespresso coffee as I got Nora ready for school in the morning, something on TV caught the corner of my eye. Bandit was talking to a real estate agent who stuck a “sold” across the FOR SALE sign that *gasp!* was posted in front of Blueys house!
Immediately, I texted my fellow Bluey-watching mom, in a panic. “BLUEY IS MOVING!”, I wrote in all caps
”I cried the whole episode”, My friend responded, echoing my same fear.
Watching the Bluey episode gave me the same feelings as watching Blue's Clues in my 20s as I nannied a young toddler. One day in her cheery yellow family room, I quickly noticed something was wrong after the theme song of Blues Clues. “Who the hell is this guy?! Where is STEVE?!” I thought. I soon found out The original Blue’s Clues lead character, Steve, left. Without a warning or explanation. It was never quite the same (and still isn’t damn it!). But his leaving caused feelings of abandonment for all 90’s kids who watched him. In 2020 he gave us all an apology causing a group cry, and healing a whole generation he had left behind.
A video message from Steve from Blue's Clues has millennials drowning in their feelings
Now as a Mom, I am watching the latest Bluey episode with my head down and crying secretly in the fridge as I started falling into despair on what this could mean.
“Is Bluey going away?!”
“Is this the last Bluey episode?!”
“Why are they abandoning us?!”
All this, of course, the day after we got the full house and playground (pool too!) bluey action set at Costco. 😩
As I watched with my 4 1/2 and 7 1/2-year-olds who seemed to not have a care in the world with what I noticed, I then began to wonder if I was then going to have the discussion(s) of, “Not all shows don't last forever.” or “Things change.” or the big kicker I feel like I already say daily, “The world is always evolving, I’m sorry.” conversation that I wasn't ready to have. It was 7:20 in the morning for Pete’s sake!
But then I also realized that maybe it was me who needed that explanation and compassion at that moment. “We can get through this. We have all the episodes! It’s like it never happened- right ?!”
I remember as a child watching Sesame Street when Mr Hooper, the owner of The Grocery Store on the corner, died in real life and the show. Big Bird was sad with his fluffy yellow feathers, and I’m sure there were a few comforting songs sung in memory. They used the opportunity to talk to us kids about death and losing someone we loved. Which as kids, gave us a sense of closure. Which was much better than having to wait a few decades for that closure from Steve from Blues Clues. (I won’t forget Steve!)
In this 5 minute ordeal (the episodes are short at like 8 minutes long), I was reminded yet again that sometimes as Moms/Parents, we also have to parent ourselves while we are parenting them. Because you know while I’m having this crisis, they are giggling and enjoying their paw patrol yogurt with a colorful straw.
Sometimes you might have to walk slowly up the stairs to get their clothes for the day while also wiping the tears falling down your face. While you tell them to take a deep breath, you also need it for yourself. They aren’t the only ones who need a big gulp of regulation and a hug, but you do too.
As a parent, it means that Bluey is also my show. I talk about it with friends, “Did you see Muffin sell that wheelchair?! Hot dang!” The shows are like rescue rings, being thrown from a universe lifeguard to pull you out of the deep in when you wandered too far out. But also gives you that advice gently you needed but weren’t looking for.
Some examples:
Kid losing their shit about a bird that died? There's a Bluey episode for that. (link)
Your child keeps interrupting you when you are talking? There's a Bluey episode for that.
Are your kids having trouble sharing? There's a Bluey episode for that.
And yes, I know parenting shouldn't be done through a television show. But when you're stuck in a vacuum tired, burnt out listening to the heavy metal song of your children whining day in and day out, sometimes just having a show, hug you and letting you know that you're not on this on your own, Is that the lifeline that you needed.
And what is happening to Bluey, are they moving? Spoiler alert, they are not. Crisis averted - for now.
REFRAMING QUESTIONS:
What are ways you can honor yourself and your feelings while you are in a tough parenting moment? (Hint, deep breaths help you and them)
How can you also remind your children that you have feelings too and also feel sad/mad/happy?
🔗 Links I couldn’t keep to myself:
Bobby Brown is on SUBSTACK! You heard it here first. Ok fine maybe not but if you're also 45 like Moi and are tired of the grays popping up 5 minutes after you dye your hair, you’re welcome.
Erin and Sara aren’t just witty but they make some cute not yoga pants and croc clothes. I’M LOOKING AT YOU CROCKS PEOPLE! (And yes I am going to make this into a newsletter so stay tuned.
Is this the year you finally make your home feel like you didn’t just move in? Inspo GALORE! Who are your favs? Heidi Callier is one of my tops but I’ll let you go first. Gimmie all the patterns!
I’ll be honest, I was tired just reading this. Good for them but I gotta take a nap now.
See ya next week Mamas. Remember sometimes it’s ok to take life one second at a time.
I’ll leave you with this Reddit gem.
PS. Motherhood coaching is coming soon! Stay tuned for more announcements.
PPS. Spring Photo sessions are almost here!!
Welcome to my little corner of the interweb, and if we haven’t met just yet, hello! My name is Katie Buckman - Mom (Soon to be Motherhood coach!), Photographer, lover of flowers and toes in the grass, and a supporter of other Mama’s as we work through our Mama wounds of those before us and navigate what this all means to us now. If you like my vibe, here is where you can find me:
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