In Chapter 1, Annie identifies herself through her mother.  She sees the world through her mother's eyes and sees herself as the center of her mother's world.  Therefore, she feels that Sonia will have no guidance in the world without a mother.  How will Sonia learn to grow into a proper young lady and adult woman without the guidance of a mother?  Of course, this is just the beginning.  Kincaid establishes Annie's youthful impression of her mother as a foundation on which to demonstrate the changes that occur through maturation.