In the past nine months, the enchantment of Harry Potter has worked wonders in my household. The series became my secret weapon for ensuring bedtime was a peaceful affair. I would settle on the edge of my son’s bed, opening the first book, and just like that, a hush would fall over him—as if I’d waved a wand. The usual distractions of YouTube, Kindle, and Minecraft vanished. Harry Potter not only helped my son drift off to sleep but also fostered a calm atmosphere where he listened intently, engaged with questions, and let the story carry him away.
Additionally, these beloved books transformed into a behavioral incentive. Any disrespect or conflict with his younger brother meant a loss of our reading time. The magic of the series proved to be a more effective tool for soothing sibling rivalry than any disciplinary action I could muster.
Moreover, the stories offered a focus that rivaled any ADHD medication. On days when my son’s energy levels soared before his medication kicked in, an invitation to dive into Harry Potter would captivate him. Suddenly, he could concentrate on the adventures unfolding in the pages.
As we approached the finale of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, I found myself stalling. While my curiosity about Harry’s confrontation with Voldemort was at its peak, I dreaded the series’ conclusion. It wasn’t just about parting from beloved characters; it was the fear of losing the precious moments of reading together with my son.
Jim Trelease, an advocate for reading to children, even those who can read independently, highlights two main reasons for this practice. First, a child’s listening skills typically surpass their reading abilities until around fifth grade. Second, shared reading encourages discussions that might not happen otherwise. This was certainly true for my son and me during our Harry Potter adventures.
As a former high school English teacher, I truly appreciate the first point, but it’s the second that resonates deeply with me. Those reading sessions became a cherished time for us. They were moments I eagerly anticipated—not merely for the brief catnap I often enjoyed while putting him to bed, but because they allowed us to connect. We would chat about school, baseball, and the complexities of growing up. Often, we simply enjoyed the story together without needing to say much at all.
I didn’t want to lose those moments. My son already spends countless hours in his room, engrossed in YouTube videos, music, and Minecraft. I know that as kids grow, the desire to hang out with parents diminishes. Thankfully, my son hasn’t reached that stage yet, and I aim to keep our bond strong.
The wizarding world of Harry Potter kept us engaged for nearly a year. While it may not compare to defeating a dark wizard, the connection it forged between my son and me will always be my favorite aspect of the series.
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In summary, Harry Potter didn’t just create an enchanting experience for my son and me; it strengthened our bond, provided a peaceful bedtime routine, and offered a powerful focus tool that I will always cherish.
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