13 Parenting Lessons From 'Harry Potter & The Cursed Child'

Harry loves Albus, like a parent is supposed to, but he quickly realizes that children need more than that. His son needs his father's understanding, friendship, and support. Love isn't always enough.

Like, really listen to them. Harry thinks Albus is just defiant for the sake of being defiant, but there is so much more to it than that. When your child is unhappy, don't argue with them about why or try to fix it with some one-size-fits-all solution. Really listen to them. Hear what they are saying and, more importantly, what they are not saying.

Harry telling Albus in the very first scene the truth about his Sorting Hat experience is lovely. It seems to reassure Albus (and disturb him as he thinks he has chosen to be in Slytherin), and makes him realize who he is. It's not enough to build up some version of yourself that your children don't recognize — just be honest.

It's easy for Harry to connect with his oldest son, James, as the two seem to be a lot alike on the surface. But deep down, Harry and Albus are also very similar. Neither one realizes it until Harry gets personal with Albus about how lonely he was as a child, how disconnected he felt from everybody, and how much of an outcast he was. Only then, when he speaks about his childhood and personal moments, do him and Albus truly connect.

Harry giving Albus the blanket he was wrapped in on the night his parents died, the only thing he has from his mother, is incredibly moving. Of course, Albus is an angst-ridden teenager and doesn't understand the significance of it, but Harry is trying so hard. Later in the story, he gets more vulnerable by sharing with Albus that he is afraid of the dark. Kids often see you as a larger-than-life being, a superhero, but being vulnerable can connect you two even more when they realize that you are human, and that you sometimes need a helping hand, too.

Harry doesn't want Albus around Scorpius, despite his son's pleas for his only friend. It's hard, but sometimes you have to trust your children when they are telling you things, especially when they are so sure of it themselves. Later, Harry does trust Albus to fix the things that have gone wrong with the time turner, but it's a lesson everyone could use.

This is prevalent throughout the entire play. Hermione mentions that Ron thinks she sees her secretary more than she sees him, and even Harry has a hard time focusing on his family while in the middle of important ministry work. But your children notice when you aren't fully present, so do everything you can to create a healthy work and family balance.

Albus tries to pick more than a few fights with Harry, and Harry usually deflects them. Although some conversations are worth having, it's smart to know that you can choose your battles and save everyone from hurt feelings and pain.

Albus is angry, he's frustrated, and he feels like an outcast. But he has no idea how to tell his father, Harry Potter, all of this. Can you imagine the burden of that name? Your children won't always be able to vocalize how they are feeling, but they can show it in other ways, so pay attention.

In fact, it's never easy. Sometimes you have to make hard decisions or do things you disagree with, like allowing your child to be friends with someone you dislike. But remember what Draco says, if your child has no friends or parents, they are bound to end up in a dark place. So do what you can to keep them safe, no matter the cost.

Albus isn't a Quidditch player, but that doesn't mean Harry can ignore him or the things he finds important. Albus believes in his friend, Scorpius. He believes in distancing himself from the Potter name. These things are important to him, so they should be important to Harry, too.

Not all kids like pranks or games. Not all of them are athletes or star students or popular. No matter how many children you have, there are going to be differences between each of them, it's just how it works. The quicker you realize this, the easier your parenting journey will be.

So stop relying on it. You are never going to be a perfect parent. You are never going to have perfect children. Roll with the punches and love your family for what it is, in this very moment, regardless of the circumstances. People get mad at each other, they say things they shouldn't, and they forgive each other. It's life and it is imperfect — parenthood is the same.