More on Parenting Styles (Ron / Molly)

[roseswicegood]

No: HPFGUIDX 36070


Debbie wrote:
 
> It's the apparent lack of attention that troubles me, and therefore 
> it troubles me more that she lavishes attention on the famous Harry 
> Potter, even though it's natural for her to reach out to Harry, who 
> really needs some mothering, and it's also evident from what she 
does 
> for Harry at the end of GoF that one of her strengths is her 
ability 
> to provide comfort to a troubled child (probably an adult as well). 

Thanks for your kind words about Molly.  She is my favorite 
character, she showed a kindness to Harry from the very beginning 
that I believe has nothing to do with his being 'famous'.  She knows 
he's orphaned, she knows the Dursley's are vile, and it is a natural 
reaction to respond with kindness.

I have two teenage boys of my own.  She's learning that Ron doesn't 
wish to be babied, IMHO, from book I.  He doesn't need her to hound 
him.  I think as a mother of three now all teens, I understand.

BTW, the other boys, Fred, George and Percy don't like the sweaters 
either.  Is Ron complaining so much about the color, or the fact that 
they can have so little?


 
> We also see hints of this in comments such as Ron's where he offers 
> to make Hagrid tea (I believe this is in PoA when he's upset over 
> Buckbeak) because "it's what my Mum does."  But I'm concerned that 
> Ron isn't getting what he needs from Molly and it could create 
> problems.


No, I think he knows he's loved in his own way.  He knows she has to 
divide herself with so many.  Geez...I like Ron, too!
I don't think Ron would ever want Harry's problems.
 

> Of course, it's always possible that JKR is so focused on Harry 
that she ignores Ron.

No, Ron is a very special and necessary character in Harry's 'triad'. 
I think Ron adds strength to Harry's side.  He acknowledged his 
mistake in GoF, he's perceptive.  He knows Harry doesn't want the 
attention, but trouble always does seem to follow him...

  That's the only explanation I have for Bill's 
> saying goodbye only to Mrs. Weasley and Harry at the end of GoF 
> before going off to alert Arthur.

She (Molly) was distressed and Bill knew it.  Harry had gone through 
his ordeal and needed the extra clap on the shoulder.  Perhaps Bill 
knows that Ron is strong and doesn't need his brother's approval.  
It's tough with boys...
 
> Debbie, who has a 7-year-old Ron-clone at home and therefore cannot 
> possibly dislike Ron, frustrating as he can be at times, and 
> therefore feels compelled to mother him and/or defend him, as 
> necessary, relying on others to provide the negative feedback


Thanks for letting me do that, too.
Rose (Molly fan from Day One--I think it was the 'plump' remark--I 
can identify)