Hi Scott, thanks so much for taking time to share your thoughts. I really appreciate that. What I was trying to do was share in the first instance he need to be alone.

In times gone by, like long time ago when more families were large (mine growing up), so many people just didn't get that alone time. My poor mum was forever working. Dad, on the other hand, good as he was, always took time out, often with us, with long walks in the countryside.

I think my dad thought he was doing my mother a favour, but she just got stuck into the myriad of things she had to do.

I probably didn't make the point, but I do wonder how many times she people of the era, women in particular, just need time, MUM time.

The thing is, we now know that time out is vital for mental health.

The friend I wrote about coped beautifully with her brood. At least that's what we all thought. But like my mother, she was on the same roller coaster.

Thanks for expressing your views. I'm glad you were drawn in eventually. :)