It was bedtime and my daughter wanted me to read her favorite Bluey book. If you are familiar with Bluey, then you know there are valuable lessons in each one.
This particular book starts off with the parents comparing Bluey to her sister. They want Bluey to be quieter and pick up after herself – like Bingo.
Yikes, I’m pretty sure I said something like that to my son today. I thought to myself.
But really, why can’t he pick up after himself…?!
The book goes on with Bluey pretending to look and act like Bingo. At first, it’s fun – until she hears her dad say, “Double Bingo!” I could definitely get used to this.”
This makes Bluey upset.
“Mum and Dad want two of yous,” Bluey says. “They don’t want any of mes.”
“It’s because I’m annoying, and you’re not annoying at all.”
“Yes I am! I’m just different annoying.” Says Bingo.
The book ends with the parents telling the kids to stop acting like the other. They need 1 Bingo and 1 Bluey.
Just as I was feeling defeated from the day, God sent me this book – A book I had read before but knew I needed to hear again.
God doesn’t want us to be carbon copies of one another. Just as Bandit (Bluey’s dad) learns to appreciate both daughters for who they are, we too are called to honor the distinct ways God has wired each person — especially within our families.
Some days, parenting feels hard. Sure, it would be simpler if both kids eagerly pitched in around the house and entertained themselves without the echo of “I’m bored.” But the truth is, their unique personalities bring value and balance to our family. Even the challenges come with their own kind of beauty.
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. (Romans 12:6)
Our differences are not flaws, but divine design.
I used to wish I were more outgoing—more of an extrovert. But as I’ve grown older, I’ve come to understand that God didn’t design me that way, and that’s not a flaw. It’s a gift. I’ve learned to embrace the quiet strengths He’s woven into me and to recognize the unique ways He’s equipped me to serve, connect, and share my testimony.
Some people were born to be on stage, others to serve behind the scenes. Neither of these is better than the other – both can make an impact!
How can you reflect God’s love by affirming the strengths He’s woven into the hearts of your family – your friends?
Lately, God has been convicting me about how quickly I react with frustration when my kids mess up. I’ve realized I need to shift my focus—to make the praise louder than the correction. So now, when they show kindness or make good choices, I’m intentional about letting them know how proud I am.
After I put my daughter to bed, I went to my son’s room. I knelt down by his bed and tried to reach for his hand – only, there was no hand. I started feeling around on the bed and realized he wasn’t there. That’s when I heard the giggling in the corner.
“Tricked you Mommy!”
I burst out laughing. He had put all his stuffed animals in his bed.
“He tricked me too!” My husband said laughingly.
God is teaching me to parent with an appreciation for each child’s uniqueness.
He’s not exactly Mr. Clean, but he’s got a heart of gold and keeps us laughing! 🙂
