Jen, you don't have to think of yourself as a bad mother because your living arrangements have undergone a lot of changes. As someone may have suggested, how you feel about the upheavals can possibly have a larger impact on your kids than the actual circumstances. Some time ago, I wrote a few pieces on the FML about traveling in Central America with my ferrets. There were lots of obstacles to be overcome and much planning was necessary. We dealt with how and when to obtain food, keeping ferrets cool, obtaining medical care if needed and many other things. However, that isn't the point of this letter. My two kids traveled with me on my sailboat. We also traveled back to the States by airplane, took chicken buses and taxis, and stayed in hotels while seeing the countries. They were the objects of much interest and curiosity, and seemed to be able to sleep and play just about anywhere. The one constant in their little lives was me. I always made certain that they had what they needed for comfort and took extra time every day to play with them and let them explore. Yet, they had their comfortable cage, potty box and familiar bedding and toys. The things most important to them never really changed. I tried to look at the whole process as making the best situation every day, right now. They arrived home to stay and still seemed happy although possibly a little bored at times! Please try to think of yourself and a good mother doing the best she can. Love and care every day goes a long way. Best of luck to you, Shirley [Posted in FML issue 4487]