Read the passage from “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”

Momma said, “Sister, I know you acted like a little lady. That do my heart good to see settled people take to you all. I’m trying my best, the Lord knows, but these days . . .” Her voice trailed off. “Go on in and change your dress.”

From Momma’s words, what can the reader infer about the type of parent she was?