A Parent’s Guide To Discovering Harry Potter With Your Kids

Hey fellow parents! The chances are that if you grew up in the 90s, 00s or later, then you’ve probably thought about the right time to introduce your little ones to Harry Potter. Everyone remembers their first time diving into J.K. Rowling’s enchanting world, and you probably remember thinking about how you couldn’t wait to share it with your kid, right? Here’s how you can make the journey into Hogwarts not just fun, but a bonding experience that goes beyond the pages and screens.

Start with the Story: Harry Potter Books

There’s no better way to introduce the magic than through the original Harry Potter books. You can start reading Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (or Sorcerer’s Stone in the US) together when your kid is about seven. Aim for when they have just started handling bigger books.

Reading Together

• Make it a Routine: Make it our bedtime ritual. Every night, a chapter of Harry Potter, and trust us, it’s as relaxing for you as it is thrilling for them!
• Let’s Talk About It: After each chapter, you chat about what happened. It’s amazing to hear your kid’s take on friendship and bravery.
• Character Voices: Don’t shy away from doing those voices. Yes, you might feel silly at first doing Hagrid’s gruff tone or Dumbledore’s calm, but the laughter is worth it!

Bring the Magic Home: Harry Potter Movies

Once you finish the first book, it’s movie time! Watching the first movie brings everything to life for kids.

Magical Movie Nights

• Themed Snacks: Whip up some “Butterbeer” (cream soda really does the trick) and have “Bertie Bott’s Every Flavour Beans” on hand for brave tasters.
• Spot the Differences: After the movie, discuss what was different from the book. Your kids will love catching the details, and it can help with their comprehension skills too.

Play and Build: LEGO Harry Potter

Nothing beats combining playtime with learning, and LEGO Harry Potter sets do just that. You can build Hogwarts castle together! Check out their sets on MadBricks. Get ready to hold back from doing the entire lot yourself!

LEGO Adventures

• Hands-On Fun: The great thing about LEGO is it’s a screen-free activity that helps kids with problem-solving and fine motor skills.
• Create Your Own Stories: After building, kids can use the sets to act out scenes or create new adventures. It’s Harry Potter fanfiction in the making!

Experience the Wizarding World: Visiting Harry Potter Theme Parks

If you can swing it, a trip to The Making of Harry Potter is like stepping into the story. You can save up as a special treat, and it is worth every penny.

Tips for the Trip

• Plan Your Must-Sees: From Hogwarts Castle to Ollivander’s Wand Shop, know the must-dos and map out your visit to avoid the overwhelm.
• Souvenirs That Last: Let each child pick a wand. Remember that it’s not just a purchase; it’s a cherished memory of the day.

Interactive Play: Harry Potter Video Games

You can also dabble in Harry Potter video games, which are fantastic for rainy days. The “LEGO Harry Potter” games are favourites because they’re fun and not too complicated.

Gaming Together

• Family Game Time: It’s another way to experience the magic together. Help each other solve puzzles and explore new parts of Hogwarts.
• Learning Through Play: These games often require reading and problem-solving, sneaking in learning while they play.

Creative Time: Harry Potter Crafts and Cooking

Getting crafty with some DIY wands or Hogwarts scarves can be a blast. You can also try your hand at making some treats from the series—pumpkin pasties can be a big hit!

Crafting the Magic

• DIY Wands: A trip to the craft store for some dowels, paint, and decorations can lead to an afternoon of creative magic-making.
• Hogwarts Feast: Cooking together from the “Unofficial Harry Potter Cookbook” is not only delicious but also a great way to connect after a busy week.

The Community: Engaging with Other Harry Potter Fans

Nothing quite matches the shared excitement of meeting other Harry Potter fans. It’s a community that spans all ages and brings together people from all walks of life.

Joining the Fun

• Book Clubs and Online Groups: Great for older kids, these forums can help deepen their appreciation for the series and build communication skills.
• Local Events: Keep an eye out for Harry Potter themed events at your local library or bookstore. They’re a great way for kids to see the magic of Harry Potter come to life with others.

By making Harry Potter a part of your family’s routine, you won’t just enjoy countless hours of fun but also learn some life lessons along the way. Whether it’s through the pages of a good book, building a LEGO set together, or dressing up for a movie marathon, these magical moments become treasured memories. We hope your journey into this wonderful world brings a whole mess of joy to your family. Happy wizarding!