Question
Answered step-by-step
belvigadarciane
Full CONVERSATION: Soft Is the Heart of a Child Fighting in…
Full CONVERSATION: Soft Is the Heart of a Child
Fighting in Front of Children (03:10)
Brothers Terry and Brian knock over a lamp while they are fighting. Dad comes home late from work with a beer in his hand and offers Terry a drink. He has cashed his paycheck and spent the money. He gets mad and leaves with the rest of the money.
Making Excuses (01:09)
Terry and Brian are excited when Aunt Sue shows up. Lisa has become quiet lately. Barb makes up an excuse to cover up her husband’s hangover. Sue asks about his drinking problem and Barb says everything is okay.
“I Said I Was Sorry” (01:56)
When Barb confronts her husband for breaking a promise to the kids, he makes up an excuse for why he is letting them down again. He convinces his wife to go to the bar with him and reminds her to bring her wallet. They leave the kids home alone.
Home Alone (00:54)
Brian, Terry, and Lisa are home alone while their parents are out. Mom and dad arrive home late after a night of drinking.
Problems at School (02:29)
Terry’s teacher catches him stealing from another student’s locker. His parents are known for not working with the school. Terry meets with the school counselor and has an outburst when she says she will be calling his parents.
“I’ll Never Be Like Him” (01:50)
Mom comes home from work and accuses Brian of being just like his dad when he asks her if she will be attending parent night at school. Dad calls from the bar and invites his wife to join him. She leaves the kids home alone again.
Signs of a Family Problem (02:39)
Mom wakes up with a hangover and tells Brian to take his brother and sister to school. She says she doesn’t have time to talk when the counselor calls about Terry’s stealing. Some teachers do not think they should get involved with students’ home lives.
Violent Outburst (02:08)
Terry’s father hits him with a belt when he finds out he has been stealing. He becomes enraged when Terry calls him a drunk. Dad leaves for the bar with his wife in tow, leaving the kids home alone. Brian takes his younger siblings to their aunt’s house.
“Something Terrible is Happening” (01:38)
Aunt Sue shows up to talk to Barb about her husband’s drinking. The kids were terrified at his violent outburst. His drinking has gotten worse. Barb breaks down in tears when Sue insists she get help to deal with her husband’s alcoholism.
Meeting with School Counselor (02:41)
Lisa makes up lies about all of the nice things her parents do for her. Brian knows his dad is an alcoholic. He explains that he spends all their money drinking and only cares about himself. Mom is starting to go out drinking with dad.
Living with An Alcoholic (02:11)
The counselor addresses school staff about the importance of helping kids who are living with alcoholism. Up to one out of four kids could be in distress at home because of alcohol.
Back on the Right Track (02:16)
The school counselor meets with Mom, Aunt Sue, and the kids. Dad calls from the bar and threatens to call the police if the counselor does not leave. She commits to helping the family. The kids are happy when mom does not join dad at the bar.
Something Can Be Done (01:33)
Terry is settling down in class. The counselor updates his teacher on the family situation. Mom is going to Al Anon and Dad’s company has a good alcoholism program that can help. Another teacher asks for help with a child with an alcoholic parent.
Credits and Quotes: Soft Is the Heart of a Child (01:29)
“Bitter are the tears of a child; sweeten them.” “Deep are the thoughts of a child; quiet them.” “Heavy is the grief of a child; lighten it.” “Soft is the heart of a child; embrace it”
After reading “Soft is the Heart of a Child” responds to the following questions.
1. What is the predominant Family System portrayed? Support with examples for your choice.
2. Give 2-3 examples of co-dependent responses demonstrated by the mother.
3. Pick one of the children in the film. What Family Role do they play in this imbalanced family? Support with several specific examples.
4. What do you think of the role of the schools as a potential entrance for families to access treatment? What are some benefits and risks to engaging a family for clinical intervention via the children/schools?
