Question: Common Roles within the Family System
Rosie's mother has a drug problem and often sleeps well past the time her children need to get up for school. Rosie takes it upon herself to get her siblings up, give them breakfast, and get ready for school. She, being the oldest child, has been assuming more and more responsibility for tasks around the house.
Answer the following:
• Which of the four most common roles in family systems do you think Rosie is taking on?
• What are the potential long-term consequences for Rosie in taking on these heavy responsibilities?
• What message do you think Rosie's role as "second mom" sends to her siblings about Rosie and their mother?