Though the Harry Potter novels and movies take place at a magical school in a world quite a bit different from our own, the characters' adventures serve up countless lessons about life, love, and humanity that children can learn from, even at a young age. If you're unfamiliar with Harry Potter, or your kids haven't read or watched the movies yet, we've rounded up 18 lessons to convince you that your kiddos may be able to learn something valuable from the boy with the lightning bolt scar and his friends.
With love,
The professors of Hogwarts and every teacher in the history of the world.
Everybody is different, and through Harry and his gang, kids will learn that every person has different personalities, talents, and abilities — and that's OK!
"Numbing the pain for a while will make it worse when you finally feel it." –Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Loss is a common theme in the Harry Potter novels. The way the characters deal with their grief and move forward is a wonderful example for children.
Though kids may put a lot of pressure on themselves (like Hermione), it's important for them to realize that they can't do it all, and not all problems can come to a resolution. It's important to take a breath, relax, and reassess the situation, rather than feel like a failure.
OK, so this one is more about moms and dads — but kids can learn from Mrs. Weasley (and let's not forget, Lily Potter's sacrifice for Harry) the value of their parent's love, something that people don't often realize the magnitude of until they have kiddos of their own.
For some there are houses, for some there aren't. A home is built on love and friendship, so wherever you go with the people you love is a place you can call home — and it doesn't have to look or feel to anyone else like a traditional home.
Harry is the subject of countless rumors, but just because they were printed in the papers didn't mean they were true. Don't always believe what you hear!
There's nothing more important than cheering on your loved ones and letting them know that you're there for them always.
Especially in the Great Hall — parents, plan your dinner menus accordingly.
Though Harry was initially annoyed by Dobby, they became the best of friends. Never underestimate the power of a good friendship, though it may seem like an unlikely bond at first.
"When I'm 80 years old and sitting in my rocking chair, I'll be reading Harry Potter. And my family will say to me, 'After all this time?' And I will say, 'Always." ― a quote often attributed to the late Alan Rickman, but was actually shared by a fan in 2011 (nevertheless, it rings true for many Potter fans).
There's rarely a time that Harry and his crew aren't facing something they're afraid of. With bravery and courage — and each other — they always overcome it, and that's not something that's only possible in fiction novels.
You can do anything with loved ones by your side, whether they're with you physically or kept in your heart.
Everyone is born into a family, but family goes beyond blood relations, something that Harry and his friends prove time and time again.
OK, maybe not the most pressing advice, but hey, you never know . . .