Weasleys as Home-Schoolers

[christi0469]

No: HPFGUIDX 33151

Eileen wrote

 Homeschooling parents can actually be more 
> obsessive about getting their kids involved than parents with kids 
in 
> the public school. I don't think this is necessarily a good thing, 
> even. I'm thankful my parents didn't try to fill my time with 
piano 
> lessons, soccer, gymnastics, swimming lessons, basket weaving 
24/7. 
> 
> Now, in the wizarding world, where a large portion of the 
population 
> will be in the same situation as the Weasleys, this phenomenom is 
> probably even more acute. Everyone is trying to make sure their 
> children are socially adjusted! 
> 
> 
  We can probably assume that Molly made sure that Ginny(and her 
brothers) had plenty of opprotunities tho interact with other 
wizarding children; however, this would not dictate that she would 
be used to large crowds of people. Since the Weasleys in general 
seem to be ignorant of Muggle ways, we can assume that their home 
schooling outings would not have been to the zoo, movie theater, 
circus, concerts, etc. where large numbers of people congregate. 
They would have more likely been gatherings of a few families. Even 
if the kids did go to some sort of wizard grade school it would 
probably be smaller than the overcrowded schools we have here in 
America. And if King's Cross Station is anything like an airport it 
would be likely to be extremely crowded, loud, and busy. Someone 
from a rural environment, no matter how many friends they have, 
would be likely to find King's Cross Station overwhelming. And Ginny 
would probably be very sad to see her brothers leaving for 10 months 
since the Weasleys do seem to have a very close knit family. She 
would probably also be upset about being at home with her parents 
alone, because Molly and Arthur would be even more protective of her 
as she's the baby of the family. And Ginny will be going to Hogwarts 
in just one year, which would amplify the babying. I think it 
Ginny's behavior at the platform very plausible, even though it did 
make her seem younger than her age.

  As to why Ginny was introduced at that particular time, it makes 
sense that she would be there. Why would Molly find someone to watch 
her? Her brothers are going away for a very long time. I take my 
three year old daughter to the airport when we drop off or pick up 
someone close to us, and I have been doing that since she was a 
baby. I would not bother to find a sitter so I could leave a ten 
year old at home, even if I was going to a very chaotic train 
station. But I would make sure that I was keeping very close tabs 
her, as does Molly. And if I thought the spectacle of a crowded 
train station was going to be a problem for my child, I would make 
sure I exposed them to it rather than taking them there for the 
first time when they go to boarding school for 10 months. I think it 
would have been odd if Ginny weren't there.

Respectfully Submitted,
                Christi