Fostering and harper lessons

[PastMember]

Two child-rearing related questions for y'all...

Dragonriders generally foster their children...but what about when they get transferred?  Do the children go w/ them, or do they stay w/ the fostermom?

And when do harper lessons start for pern kids?  For some reason, I think I know this, but can't think of it for the life of me.  

Thanks!

[emma]

I believe Harper Classes styart around the age of four/five, much as primary schooling would here on Earth.  They'd be in those classes until about age 12.  They would learn to read and write, maths, history(in the form of teaching ballads), music and possibly art (drawing).

As for children going with the rider when they transfer, I've always assumed that it would depend on the rider themself and who the other parent was. However, if the rider was a lone parent, then they probably would want to bring their children, maybe not straight away though, it may take time to organise a new foster family.

[PastMember]

Very true Emma.  If one parent happens to not be a rider (and not going with the rider), or not transferred, then it's something that would have to worked out between them as parents, really.

The Weyrs have a very good fostering system and all it would take would be a visit to the Headwoman to arrange suitable arrangements for fostering for the young one.