Throughout most of the novel (and this passage) the children are seen taking care of their parents and being the retional, responsible family members. How do family dynamics shape the Walls children.

“I don’t blame Dad,” I said. And, I didn’t. But Dad seemed hell-bent on destroying himself, and I was afraid he was going to pull us all down with him. “We’ve got to get away.” “But I can’t leave your father!” she said. I told Mom that if she left Dad, she’d be eligible for government aid, which she couldn’t get now because she had an able-bodied husband. Some people at school - not to mention half the people on Little Hobart Street - were on welfare, and it wasn’t so bad. I knew Mom was opposed to welfare, but those kids got food stamps and clothing allowances.