Papa Frankie: Frankie's Transformation into a Mentor (#7)

Frankie is responsible in most cases for raising his siblings. Because of the very small age difference between he and his siblings, Frankie's mom, Angela, almost always had a younger child to worry about. Frankie's father, Malachy, is hardly ever around, so Angela is forced to pick up Malachy's share of parenting as well. She does not have any time for Frankie, for she is too busy with his younger twin brothers.

The duty of raising himself, as well as his younger brother Malachy, should flummox Frankie. He is young himself, and therefore there is no reason why he should know how to take care of another human being. However, for whatever reason, Frankie is competent at this task. Taking care of Malachy has made Frankie more responsible and more willing to take risks for his family's well-being. Frankie's parenting is by no means perfect, nor is it a replacement for that of a loving and capable adult, but Frankie looks out for his brothers. Frankie's astounding maturity enables him to move past the childish, but not unreasonable, feelings of jealousy for the love and attention that Malachy and the twins receive from others. Furthermore, Frankie is willing to steal for his family. Frankie steals a bunch of bananas so that the twins would not have to cry because of hunger. Frankie became a far more responsible brother than could ever be expected from someone at such a young age, so clearly Frankie' character was transformed by the responsibility of raising his brothers.

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