Within the Harry Potter Series Are Countless Life Lessons For Kids to Take Away

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.

01
Always pay attention in school — you won't regret it.
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Always pay attention in school — you won't regret it.

With love,
The professors of Hogwarts and every teacher in the history of the world.

02
Sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to do.
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Sometimes you have to do things you don’t want to do.

It's just a fact of life.

03
You can’t compare yourself to others.
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You can’t compare yourself to others.

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!

04
It’s OK to feel pain and sadness.
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It’s OK to feel pain and sadness.

"Numbing the pain for a while will make it worse when you finally feel it." –Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

05
It’s OK to make mistakes.
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It’s OK to make mistakes.

It happens. Ron knows. (So does Neville . . . and Seamus.)

06
You can move on from loss.
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You can move on from loss.

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.

07
You can’t solve every problem the world throws your way.
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You can’t solve every problem the world throws your way.

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.

08
A parent's love for her children is untouchable.
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A parent's love for her children is untouchable.

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.

09
Home is wherever your loved ones are.
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Home is wherever your loved ones are.

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.

10
Just because everyone's talking about something, doesn't make it true.
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Just because everyone's talking about something, doesn't make it true.

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!

11
Supporting the people we love is the best we can do.
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Supporting the people we love is the best we can do.

There's nothing more important than cheering on your loved ones and letting them know that you're there for them always.

12
There’s nothing like a great meal.
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There’s nothing like a great meal.

Especially in the Great Hall — parents, plan your dinner menus accordingly.

13
Sometimes the most unexpected friends can become the best you've ever had.
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Sometimes the most unexpected friends can become the best you've ever had.

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.

14
A good book will stay with you for your entire life.
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A good book will stay with you for your entire life.

"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).

15
You can work through fear and overcome it.
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You can work through fear and overcome it.

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.

16
Love is powerful.
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Love is powerful.

You can do anything with loved ones by your side, whether they're with you physically or kept in your heart.

17
Your friends are a family that you get to choose.
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Your friends are a family that you get to choose.

Everyone is born into a family, but family goes beyond blood relations, something that Harry and his friends prove time and time again.

18
And finally, never trust a man who shows up with a dragon’s egg in his pocket.
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And finally, never trust a man who shows up with a dragon’s egg in his pocket.

OK, maybe not the most pressing advice, but hey, you never know . . .