“Born Yesterday”: How Bluey Nails Parenting and Why It’s a Lesson for All of Us

Confession Time: I Watch Bluey Before My Kids (And Born Yesterday Still Blew My Mind)



Alright, I’ve got a confession. I, AJ Oberlender, a fully grown adult, watched Bluey before my kids did. And honestly? No regrets. Yael and Diana can wait their turn when new episodes drop because I’m hitting play first.

And one episode that’s permanently rented space in my brain? Born Yesterday. It’s seven minutes of parenting brilliance wrapped in humor, heart, and yes, anthropomorphic dogs who somehow understand life better than most humans I know.

Bandit’s Big Brain Move: Play Dumb, Win Parenting

So, here’s the rundown: Bandit pretends he was “born yesterday,” meaning he knows absolutely nothing. He tries to eat shoes, treats phones like percussion instruments, and generally wreaks adorable havoc. My kind of chaos.

But this isn’t just slapstick for the sake of laughs. It’s Bandit’s genius at work. By acting clueless, he hands the reins to his kids. Suddenly, they’re the experts. They’re teaching him, leading him, and (let’s be honest) loving every second of it.

I mean, who knew pretending you have the IQ of a potato for a day could be peak parenting?

Curiosity: The Thing Kids Have and Adults Forget

Kids are walking question machines. Yael once asked me why the moon doesn’t fall down. I’m still not sure if I gave her an actual answer or just mumbled something about gravity. But Born Yesterday? It slaps us awake and says, “Hey, remember curiosity? That thing you had before life buried you in emails and meetings?”

Bandit’s whole shtick is forcing himself to see the world the way his kids do—with wide-eyed wonder. And let’s be real: when was the last time you stared at your toaster and thought, “Who decided this was the best way to crisp bread?” Exactly.

The Leaf That Stopped Me in My Tracks

But the moment that really got me? That final scene where Bandit, after a day of joyful cluelessness, stops to stare at a leaf. Not just a glance—the man is mesmerized. Every vein, every shade of green, like he’s seeing it for the first time.

And yeah, it hit me. Hard.

Life moves fast. Between work at DoorLoop, side hustling with Zossoz, chasing two toddlers, and trying to keep up with every Miami Heat game, slowing down feels laughable. But that leaf moment? It’s Bluey whispering, “Hey, maybe stop scrolling Twitter for a sec and just… exist.”

Parenting Takeaways From My Favorite Cartoon Dogs

1. Curiosity Isn’t Just for Kids
   Yael and Diana are curious about everything. I mean, Diana’s currently fascinated by her own feet and climbing out of her high char (and giving mommy and daddy heart attacks). But Born Yesterday reminds me to be curious too. Ask questions. Look closer. Wonder more. And maybe fake confusion once in a while—your kids will love it.
2. Let Them Be the Boss (Sometimes)
   Bandit’s “I know nothing” bit isn’t just funny—it’s empowering. His kids get to teach him for once, and that’s huge. Next time Yael wants to explain why her stuffed bunny is actually a doctor, guess what? I’m all ears.
3. Laugh Your Way Through It
   Parenting is a contact sport. But humor? Humor is the ice pack. Whether it’s pretending you’ve never seen a fork or letting your toddler put stickers on your forehead during a Zoom call, laughter bonds us more than any parenting book ever will.

Not Just for Parents: Why Born Yesterday Is a Life Lesson

Bluey isn’t just for parents. What if we all approached life like Bandit did? Curious. Open. Ready to laugh at our own cluelessness. Imagine how much lighter things would feel if we stopped pretending to know it all.

And no, you don’t need to start gnawing on your sneakers. But maybe—just maybe—put down your phone and really look at something ordinary. You might be surprised.

A Miami Dad’s Takeaway

I watch Bluey because it’s brilliant. I rewatch Bluey because it makes me a better dad—and honestly, a better person. Born Yesterday is a masterclass in curiosity, humor, and slowing down. And if Bandit can find beauty in a single leaf, maybe we can too.

So, the next time your kid stops to stare at a leaf, join them. You might just see something you’ve never noticed before.

(And yes, I’ll admit it: I watched this episode without Yael. Twice.)