Appears our beloved Bluey has made a boo-boo. Properly, at the very least the producers of the present have. In a latest episode of the present referred to as “Train,” Bluey’s dad Bandit desires to start understanding. That is not the problem. It is one explicit scene that is gotten loads of social media backlash, calling it “fat-shaming” and “fat-phobic.” Critics additionally say it is selling unhealthy messages about physique picture, weight, and train to youngsters.
Within the scene in query, Bandit is stunned by Bluey whereas within the rest room preparing. “Oh man,” Bandit says, stepping on the dimensions. Bluey responds, “Why did you say, ‘Oh man?'”
“I simply have to do some train,” Bandit solutions.
“Inform me about it,” Mother Chilli says as she walks into the toilet with Bingo. That is when Bandit sighs and grabs his tummy.
“Why do not you simply do some train?” Bluey asks.
Bandit’s response? “Usual cause Bluey—you youngsters and work.”
After a dialog about how Bandit does not have time to train as a result of he will likely be late to work, Chilli then steps on the dimensions and groans, “Oh man.”
The notion of each mother and pop within the Bluey episode expressing their disgust and unhappiness with their weight on the dimensions shouldn’t be look—and positively not the kind of conduct to mannequin for youngsters. We all know physique picture is a serious difficulty for youths of all ages, and poor physique picture can result in harmful disordered consuming habits.
In accordance with only one research, at age 14, 32% of females and 14.6% of males weren’t glad with their weight. Additional, 26.5% of females and 14.9% of males weren’t proud of their figures. By age 16, 45% of females had at the very least one disordered consuming symptom. However maybe much more disturbing, women as younger as 3 years outdated have perceptions that “skinny” is nice and “fats” is dangerous.
I applaud the Australian Broadcasting Company (ABC) for responding to the criticism so rapidly. The corporate put out an announcement that reads partly, “The latest episode of Bluey, ‘Train,’ has been republished by the ABC following a call by the makers of this system. The brand new model gives households with the chance to handle essential conversations in their very own means.”
Fortunately, the episode has not solely been up to date on the ABC’s platforms, however its distributor, BBC Studios, is utilizing the edited model of the episode to air around the globe. That features in the US on Disney+. (On the time of writing, the episode shouldn’t be but on the streaming platform within the U.S.) Youngsters will not see the scene in query right here, however even the subject of the episode may open up a dialog about physique picture, how all of us deal with our our bodies, and the way your physique feels.
As a mom of two who has at all times exercised and tried my greatest to eat wholesome (though not at all times succeeding!), I positively agree with the critics—and, as mother and father, we should be cautious in regards to the content material our children are consuming and the messages it sends.
As with something we do as mother and father, we need to set an instance for our children. If I present them I am exercising frequently and consuming my fruits and veggies, it might be my hope that my youngsters would mannequin my conduct. I emphasize that I am doing this to maintain my physique wholesome and never as a result of I am “fats” or “chubby.” Whereas that is my aim, I additionally acknowledge that I am not excellent and generally my very own insecurities creep into dialog.
However I even have one other downside with this scene. It is when Bandit appears in charge the children for not having any time to himself. Whereas for thus many mother and father, this can be very true (me, included!)—it is not one thing it is best to let your youngsters hear. They needn’t know that. They needn’t assume that they are the explanation you do not have time for the issues which are essential to you. That is one thing you may share together with your companion, your folks, or different mother and father—however to not them.
Time in my home is treasured. We’re at all times working right here and there—six days every week at dance for my older daughter and year-round soccer for my youthful daughter (including in lacrosse within the Spring). Weekends are filled with video games, performances, household obligations, and sure—generally some enjoyable and leisure. However that is once we educate our children prioritize. My youngsters know that I stand up at 5:30 a.m. through the week to get my exercise in earlier than they stand up. Once we do have time for enjoyable and leisure on the weekends, we could go for a hike or a motorcycle trip.
So Bluey made a boo-boo. All of us do. However they rapidly tried to make it higher. Possibly that is yet one more lesson right here. Admit your mistake, attempt to repair it when you can, and transfer on—bettering your self and people round you within the course of. Oh—and there is nothing improper with desirous to train as Bandit suggests. However make it about bettering your total well being in addition to your physique and thoughts. And be conscious of the way you painting it to your youngsters as a way to set that instance.
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