Harry's Resilience & Parenting Theories

[Penny & Bryce Linsenmayer]

No: HPFGUIDX 837

Hi --

Thanks to Heidi for the post about parenting attachment theories.  I'd
always wondered if there was *any* reasonable explanation for how Harry
could have turned out to be a good, grounded person, despite the
emotional abuse of years of living with the Dursleys.  I suspect his
insecurity & independence are characteristics that he developed as a
result of his Dursley years, and he probably will always have some
measure of those traits (Lori uses both of them to great effect in
PoU).  But, it's good to know that his parents' love may have imbued him
with some resilience to survive those years before Hogwarts.  I was
laughing at Heidi's theories about the ways that toddler Harry might
have amused himself alone in his dark crib at night.

Trina -- I suspect that Dumbledore minimizes his contact with the
Dursleys re: Harry.  I would bet that Harry will brood, and I doubt that
even if the Dursleys were aware of the tragedy of his previous school
year, they would do anything to try & alleviate his brooding thoughts.
I can't imagine them showing him any sympathy or kindness.  He might
actually be better off if things continued as always at the Dursleys --
it might force him to think of ways to torment Dudley rather than
focusing exclusively on his problems & thoughts (as would be the case if
Dumbledore instructed the Dursleys to "leave him in peace" so to speak).

I wonder if Book 5 will open with someone other than Harry as in Book 4
- that was a nice change.

Penny