Set aside all of those dull parenting books, and read something for fun, like Harry Potter. Here is some parenting advice from the pages of Harry Potter.

1. Protect your child, even if it means you have to die

Lily and James Potter died for Harry, and he ended up saving the world. He had a little help along the way, but the protection Lily and James gave Harry was never forgotten. It was Lily's sacrifice that kept Harry from dying.

Protecting your children helps them know that you love them. Ideally you will not die, but they can learn valuable lessons from any and all sacrifices you make for them. This will also prepare them to face difficult situations in the future. They will know you always have their back.

2. Godparents are helpful, even the criminal ones

I'm talking about Sirius Black, obviously. He provided Harry a home and a pen pal. He taught Harry the truth about his parent's death and rescued him from death. Black was a honest man and a good friend to the Potters.

Make sure someone will look out for your kid if something happens to you. Your children will always know someone will take care for them, even if you are away.

3. Orphans can have amazing parental figures

Harry has lots of people in his life to guide his steps including Albus Dumbledore, Arthur and Molly Weasley, Remus Lupin and Sirius Black.

Looking out for those who don't have parents and providing them a good example to look up to, will help children turn out well. Keep in mind that it took lots of people to fill the role of Harry's parents. You do more for your children than you realize. No one can parent your children like you do.

4. Don't be the Dursleys, or maybe do

The Dursley's were never fond of Harry, but they did clothe him, house him and feed him. Harry, though not fond of his extended family, returned the favor when he turned 17. Petunia and Vernon Dursley did spoil their son Dudley. Dudley was used to getting anything he wanted as a child and he eventually turned into a bully, but Dudley did apologize for beating up Harry in the end, sort of.

No matter how much or little you help your children, they will recognize your efforts and return any kindness shown them. As parents, you should avoid spoiling your children too much. Teaching your children to be grateful will help them be less selfish in the future.

5. Do what's right, your kids will eventually see the truth

Percy Weasley abandoned his family, believing he was right and his parents were wrong. Percy and Arthur Weasley had a huge fight and it appeared that Percy would never return home. But he came around in the end and joined the final battle against Voldemort.

So parents, even if your kids believe you are wrong and ignore you and fight you, if you are trying hard to be good and do good they will come around eventually.

6. Love truly and your children will understand love

If Merope Gaunt hadn't used a love potion on Tom Riddle Sr., then Voldemort would have never been born. Perhaps Voldemort wouldn't have turned out so evil if Merope had continued giving her husband the potion. Because Voldemort never learned the importance and impact of love and friendship as a child, he became corrupted and evil, unable to regret any of his actions.

So truly love your spouse. Your children will learn to accept and give love as you show them how to do love.

7. Expect them to be great, but don't push them in one direction

Neville Longbottom is one of the most admired characters, in part because of Matthew Lewis' spectacular transformation. Neville was encouraged and pushed by his grandma and the stories about his parents to be great, but he learned his greatness wasn't necessarily in the same vein as his grandma.

If your child excels where you excelled, then great! Encourage them to do their best and be their best, but if their path lies in a different direction still encourage them. Recognize your children's individual greatness and don't push them to be your copycat.

8. Support your child's unique talents

Hermione Granger's parents are some of the best! Their daughter had magic and loved her for it. At the same time consider the favoritism of Lily and Petunia's parents. Petunia was so bitter because their parents were so overjoyed to have a witch in the family.

Love your children and their talents equally. A unique talent should be celebrated, but keep in mind that your other children will have different but equally unique talents.

9. Yes people can change, but they might be in Azkaban for a reason

Voldemort's rise to power, the second time, would have been impossible without Barty Crouch Jr., who was broken out of jail with the help of his parents. Barty Jr. was in jail as a consequence of his actions during Voldemort's first rise to power. He remained faithful to Voldemort during his stay at Azkaban.

We all want to think the best of our children, but sometimes (no matter what we do) they make major mistakes and have to deal with the consequences. Love them, but don't remove the consequence, that is how they learn to change. At the same time, don't lose hope that they will change.

10. Put family over power

We cannot forget the ever-present Malfoy family. Faithful followers of Voldemort who ended up being the key to help Harry win the final battle. And why was that? Because it finally occurred to them that their son might die if they continued to seek power.

Power and influence only go so far, but families have a unique bond and should be put first. So, learn from their mistakes and put family first now.