When it comes to childhood fantasy, most parents walk a line between imagination and reality. But one Reddit post—now deleted but preserved via screenshots—crossed that line in a major way.
Originally shared in the Harry Potter subreddit and then reposted on Twitter (now X), the story details how a couple has been raising their 8-year-old daughter to believe that she’s not just a Harry Potter fan, but an actual witch.
“Since our daughter was 5 and my wife and I first started reading her the Harry Potter books we have told her that she is a witch and that the Wizarding World is real,” the parent wrote. They weren’t kidding.
Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, and Rupert Grint in 'Harry Potter'Source: WARNER BROS
Emma Watson, Daniel Radcliffe, and Rupert Grint in 'Harry Potter'Source: WARNER BROS
Over the past few years, the parents claim to have built up a full fantasy world for their daughter, complete with made-up family history and stories of using magic. They say this helps her make sense of tough issues like racism, climate change, and even the pandemic.
And yes—they fully admit it’s gaslighting.
"We know it's gaslighting and that eventually she'll have to be disappointed and have trust issues with us when she learns the truth." — Reddit user
The parents say they're trying to make her childhood “magical” and that the illusion motivates her to do well in school so she’ll get “accepted to Hogwarts.” They even say they’ve consulted her teachers, who allegedly think it’s “more awesome and creative than damaging.”
Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint, and Emma Watson in 'Harry Potter'Source: WARNER BROS
But public reaction was swift—and brutal.
In their post, the parent asked for “creative ideas” to keep the fantasy alive. What they got instead was a wave of criticism and genuine concern for the child’s mental and emotional well-being.
"Why the f--k would you do this?" — Reddit commenter
One commenter put it plainly: “That is horrific, you are a TERRIBLE parent, and I hope no one helps you. This is a soul-crushing lie.”
Another highlighted the difference between cultural mythology or religion and something like Hogwarts: “If you think it's comparable to religious belief, hop on over to a sub with ex-believers and check out the serious damage it's done to them.”
Daniel Radcliffe and Rupert Grint pointing magic wands in 'Harry Potter'Source: WARNER BROS
It’s not just the deception that bothers people—it’s the manipulation. Teaching a child to believe she has magical powers might seem whimsical, but the implications are dark, especially when you knowingly build a false identity that will eventually collapse.
Wayne and Garth aren't fans of this plan.media1.tenor.com
One particularly harrowing comment came from a user who said they’d lived a similar experience:
"From about 4 years old my mother convinced me I was a part of a magical bloodline and that she was too... convincing your child of things that are not true is programming plain and simple. Your child should be taken away from you." — Reddit commenter
That user compared the experience to "cult programming"—a tactic used to instill dependence, compliance, and emotional isolation under the guise of fantasy. They warned that such manipulation can leave lasting trauma and destroy a child’s ability to trust, not just in their parents but in the world at large.
While some people raise their kids with Santa Claus or the Tooth Fairy, this went well beyond temporary myths. It became a fully immersive, high-stakes fantasy that will eventually come crashing down.
Imagination is powerful. It can help children grow, dream, and even heal. But when it’s weaponized as control or escapism without consent, it stops being magical—and starts becoming dangerous.
This article originally appeared five years ago.
A stress-out employee reacts to an emailCanva
A woman stares at her cellphone after a car accidentCanva
An empty desk at workCanva
A three-story house sits behind two mulberry treesCanva
Aerial view of suburban neighborhoodCanva
A mulberry tree in Christmas lightsCanva
Comment from RedditReddit | 
Man looking worriedCanva
People applaudingCanva
Children volunteeringCanva
Friends huggingCanva
Woman enjoys beach sunsetCanva
Couple fightingCanva
Three friends huggingCanva
Wiman hiding her face behind a bunch of cashCanva
A mansion and its reflection in the swimming poolCanva
Salzburg at nightCanva
Fancy homeCanva
Happy volunteersCanva
Restaurant recieptCanva
Server talking to customerCanva
Tip jarCanva
Unhappy serverCanva
DNA Test KitCanva
Woman taking DNA testCanva
DNA labCanva
Newborn babyCanva
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.