My kids love it. I thought I was the coolest dad in the world

Hear the voice of Robbie Coltrane, the great actor who clothed himself in the beloved role of Hagrid, and yet speaks here not of fame, but of fatherhood: “My kids love it. I thought I was the coolest dad in the world when I got to be in a Bond film, but ‘Harry Potter’, too? Well, I think I qualify for a medal for exceptional parenting or something, don’t you?” In this jest, wrapped in humor, lies a profound truth—that the measure of a parent’s greatness is often reflected in the eyes of their children, and that the bond between parenting and joy can be strengthened by delight as much as by discipline.

Coltrane, though speaking lightheartedly, touches on the timeless longing of all fathers and mothers: to be admired by their children, not only for what they give but for who they are. In the ancient world, heroes sought glory not just for themselves, but so their children might walk with pride. When Odysseus returned from his long trials, his joy was not only in reclaiming his throne, but in being reunited with Telemachus, who had grown to see him not only as a father, but as a legend. So too Coltrane, who by stepping into stories cherished by millions, found himself cherished anew by his own children—not merely as their father, but as a figure who stood inside the worlds they loved.

The deeper meaning of Coltrane’s words lies in the recognition that shared wonder is a form of parenting. To sit beside your children in a theater, to see their eyes widen at the magic of Harry Potter or the thrill of James Bond, and to know that you yourself are part of that story, is to bridge the gap between generations. It is to show your children that their passions matter, that their world is not separate from yours. This is more than acting; it is a kind of communion, where father and child meet in the joy of imagination.

History gives us another example in the Roman general Scipio Africanus. After defeating Hannibal, he returned to Rome not only as a conqueror but as a father. He was remembered not just for his battles, but for walking with his children through the streets, allowing them to share in his triumph. His greatness was magnified in their eyes, and he, like Coltrane, knew that the legacy of a parent is not just in personal achievement, but in the way one’s achievements inspire one’s children.

And yet, Coltrane’s jest about a “medal for exceptional parenting” holds a hidden wisdom. For parenting is not only toil and struggle, though it is certainly those—it is also play, laughter, and the small moments where children see their parents not as distant figures of authority, but as human beings who can enter their world. By joining them in wonder, parents show that love is not always heavy with responsibility, but can also be light with joy. This balance is essential, for children who see only burden may feel unloved, while children who see joy know that love is abundant.

The lesson, then, is this: do not forget to delight your children. Parenting is not only rules and guidance, but also the weaving of memories that shine like stars in their hearts. Whether through art, stories, adventures, or shared laughter, parents must strive to enter their children’s worlds, not merely pull them into their own. In this way, respect and admiration grow naturally, and the bond between parent and child is strengthened beyond words.

Therefore, let all who hear take action: find ways to share joy with your children. If they love stories, join them in the telling. If they love games, sit beside them and play. If they love music, sing with them. You need not be a star of Bond or Harry Potter to win a “medal for exceptional parenting”—the true medal lies in your children’s laughter, in the memories you build together, and in the pride with which they look upon you.

Thus, Robbie Coltrane’s words, wrapped in humor, carry ancient wisdom: the greatness of a parent is measured not only in duty fulfilled, but in joy shared. And when laughter, pride, and love intertwine, then truly, a parent qualifies for a medal greater than any given by the world—the honor of being remembered with love in the hearts of their children.