This is obviously a case of bad parenting: “A Central Florida mother of four boys was arrested on Tuesday after telling authorities that she went ‘on strike’ more than a month ago, leaving the teens home alone for hours every day because they would constantly fight."

The story is about a 33-year-old mom and her kids, ages 17, 16, 14 and 13. She told authorities she went on strike because no one would help her with her children.

Of course, I would never leave my children home alone, but something about this woman's plea sounded vaguely familiar.

She said she was “fed up with being run over in her own home and having no privacy.” Hmmm… Honestly, I have days like that. Those instances don’t drive me to run away, but once in a while, I can’t help but wish for a Star Trek-like transporter to beam me away to a calmer destination.

Fortunately, I do have support – from neighbors and friends in town as well as other mothers of young kids. In our community, parents who need a break or are on the brink of losing it can turn to places such as the Vanessa Behan Crisis Nursery. I also make time for myself by going out for a run, doing a little yoga or just asking my husband to simply take over while I catch my breath.

How about you? Whom do you turn to for support when you get overwhelmed? How do you re-charge and find the strength and patience to be a parent?

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