The Magic of Harry Potter in Parenting

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Over the past nine months, Harry Potter has worked some serious magic in my home. These books became my secret weapon for bedtime—no more arguments or battles. I’d snuggle up on the edge of my kid’s bed and dive into the story. Instantly, he would quiet down, as if under a spell. Suddenly, YouTube, Kindle, and Minecraft didn’t matter. Harry Potter helped ease him into sleep, with his eyes glued to the pages as he asked questions, slowly drifting off.

They also served as a powerful tool for behavior management. One more tantrum or shove at his younger brother meant no reading that night. The allure of the series was more effective than any wand, helping to reduce the sibling squabbles that often erupted.

And let me tell you, the books acted like a potion for focus. My son, full of energy before his ADHD medication kicks in, can be a handful. But once I suggested we read Harry Potter, his attention was captured, and he could settle down and immerse himself in the story.

When we were nearing the end of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, I found myself stalling. I was just as eager as anyone to see how Harry would defeat Voldemort (even though I didn’t peek ahead), but I dreaded that the series would end. It was more than just saying goodbye to beloved characters; I feared it would also mean losing those magical moments of reading together.

Jim Trelease, an educator and author, emphasizes the importance of reading to kids, even if they can read on their own. He points out that children’s listening skills often exceed their reading abilities until around fifth grade. Plus, reading together opens up discussions that might not happen otherwise, just like I experienced with my son while exploring the world of Harry.

As a former teacher, I appreciate the first point, but the second speaks to me more. Those reading sessions became a cherished time for us. It was a moment to connect—not just about the book, but also about his school day, sports, or even the mysteries of growing up. Sometimes we didn’t talk at all; we simply enjoyed the story together.

I didn’t want to lose that connection. He already spends too much time alone in his room, absorbed in YouTube, music, and Minecraft. I know that as kids grow, they often drift away from wanting to hang out with their parents, but thankfully, we’re not there yet. I genuinely enjoy spending this time with him.

For nearly a year, the enchanting world of wizards kept us connected. While it may not be as epic as defeating Voldemort, it’s easily my favorite part about Harry Potter.

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In summary, the Harry Potter series was more than just a collection of books for my son and me; it became a vital part of our bond and daily routine. The magic within those pages helped shape our relationship and made parenting a little easier.