If you’ve ever thought parenting was a tough ride, you should try Game of Thrones. The HBO series is essentially a parenting manual in the form of a fantasy series with boobies and bloody battles. Sure, there are lots of moments with family politics and questionable decision-making, BUT THAT’S JUST LIKE REAL LIFE.

Here are five things Game of Thrones can teach parents. I mean, Game of Thrones is basically just like having a family and kids, so a lot of this will be familiar. Maybe less blood? Maybe.

Families Can Be Weird

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Life with family can be strange. And Game of Thrones delivers on that statement in a big way. Many big ways. So, it should be pretty obvious that being around other family members can make things pretty weird. Each individual relative can be an opportunity for weird.

Marriage Can Be Hell

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Whether it’s a Red Wedding or a simple elopement, marriage is something that can be a lot of work to maintain when you have kids. Marriage with kids is a test of patience and grit. Fortunately, modern weddings are typically less violent, but they still cost a lot!

Sometimes You Don’t Feel Like A Parent

So many things change when you have kids. Whether you feel like a zombie, or your kids act like them, the feeling of the undead can stick around for years. Sure, it may all seem impossible to confront, but winter is coming. And soon enough summer again. And any school break can feel like a long winter.

You’d Do Anything For Your Kids

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We’d go to the end of the earth for our kids. Whether you’re more of a Lannister or a Stark, you’ll get it done. All the way done. Have you seen a drop-off line? It’s like jousting and ground warfare combined.

Just When Think It Could Always Be Worse, It Is

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There are lots of high points in parenting. And plenty of low points. But sometimes the low points are so low they’re almost indistinguishable from rock bottom. You’ll imagine there’s no way it could be worse. But it can and does, giving you a brand new horrible baseline for insanity in parenting. Like Game of Thrones, it could always be worse.

And when it gets that bad, just know we’ll be here.