How many times do you, as a parent, have to reassure your child that everything is going to be OK, even if you aren't completely sure? At the beginning of the play, Albus is very worried about being sorted into Slytherin. He's nervous about Hogwarts in general, and all Harry can do is reassure him that he's going to be fine over and over. It's the ultimate parenting moment — hiding your own nerves and worries so that you can make your little one feel confident, no matter what.

Every parent worries when their child seems to hate all of the things you thought they'd love, especially if they don't show much interest in anything else. Harry is no different in the scene where he tries to get Albus excited about his chance to visit Hogsmeade and Albus refuses to go. It's frustrating, because you feel like they would love it, and it's upsetting and nerve-wracking to see your child dislike something simply because it's mainstream.

Have you ever tried to talk to your kid and realized you have no idea what they're thinking and can't connect with them on any level? This happens a lot when my toddler is sleepy, so you know, I get Harry's frustration with Albus and his inability to connect.

Harry may not be the perfect father, but when he gifted Albus the blanket Harry was found in the night his parents were killed and Albus can't even accept that gesture, it's incredibly heartbreaking. It will happen over and over. You will give your child something, make a sacrifice for them, or reach out to them only to be told it's not enough or they don't want it. And you just have to keep going and hope they realize it one day. (Or you give them exactly what they ask for and they're still pissed off. That happens a lot with toddlers.)

Harry's exact words are, "I'm not going to rise to your bait, Albus Potter." Do you know how often I have to think those same things to my toddler? All the time. Choose your battles, right?

Maybe you've never told your child that you wished you weren't their parent, but I think every parent has said something they didn't mean to their kid or unintentionally hurt their feelings during a fight. The guilt I feel when my kid wants me to hold her and I act like that's a huge burden? Ugh, it's enough to make me cry. But parents are human, too, and it's important for everyone to remember that.

I mean, that's a given, right? No matter how much you trust your child and no matter how hard you try to steer them in the right direction, you are constantly worried. Are they happy? Are they being bullied? Are they lonely? Do they know how much you love them? Harry is so worried about his son that he even makes decisions that push his father away from him, hoping to keep him safe and happy.

There is one scene that includes Harry making some rash decisions about Albus' life, like that he is no longer allowed to see Scorpius or leave the Gryffindor common room during his time at Hogwarts. When Albus fights back, Harry says, "I thought for a long time I wasn't a good enough dad for you because you didn't like me. It's only now I realize that I don't need you to like me, I need you to obey me because I'm your dad and I do know better." Making the best decision for your kid? Hard. Making the decision you think is best and breaking your child's heart at the same time? Even worse.

You want to be a pillar of strength for your kid. You want them to look up to you, you want to be the best role model possible for them, and you want them to trust in you. But sometimes, getting honest is the best thing you can do for your child. When Harry told Albus how often he was scared and reminded him that, as a father, he had no idea what he was doing, he became more human to Albus. How often have your kids felt like you were nothing like them because you never told them how alike you two were? You don't have to be the best version of yourself all the time. You just have to be a parent to your kid and be truthful with them. When they know who you are, you're less scary, intimidating, and they can become more open with you.