So much attention has been placed on Teresa Giudice in recent months, especially after she was sentenced to time in federal prison. Fans of The Real Housewives of New Jersey kind of knew the star was a bit shady, but it was not until she pled guilty to fraud that it became apparent just how deceitful she really was. For weeks now we have talked about the fact that Teresa will spend the next 13 months behind bars in Danbury, Connecticut, while her admitted alcoholic husband Joe Giudice steps up and takes care of their four kids for the first time. What that means that a lot more responsibility is inevitably landing on the shoulders of 13-year-old Gia Giudice.

Gia is the oldest daughter and she also understands what her sisters need and how her mom kept their household running. According to a report by Radar OnlineGia has been stepping up to help while her mother is away.

"Teresa and Gia have always had more of a friendship than a traditional mother-daughter relationship. Gia is stepping into the 'mother role' for her sisters Milania, 9; Gabriella, 8; and 3-year-old Audriana. It comes naturally since even when Teresa was around Gia was frequently responsible for disciplining her siblings. With their mother gone, the four are totally dependent on their dad now. This truly is a sad situation for all of the children," says the source.

It is a shame that in the midst of her parents's bad business decisions Gia is missing out on a chunk of her teen years in order to help hold the family together. While Teresa has always talked about preserving her daughters's childhood, it looks like Gia is instead having no choice but to take on adult responsibilities before she is even old enough to drive.

Do you think this next year is going to end with Gia feeling resentful of her parents's financial choices? Sure she may have had tons of material things, at least up until now, but has it really been worth it? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section below.

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