The kids seemed to be doing okay, but the dad's health sometimes had to be put in front of the kids' acting out. The point is that sometimes the answers aren't easy, and the situation is far more complex than we'd like to admit. In today's discourse, moms are supposed to put themselves behind their children. I would argue that it is not a question of one being more important than the other, or the survival of one category should take precedence over another. But that we all so dreadfully need each other.
Children are the future protectors of today's adults.
But if today's adults do not thrive, neither will the children. Clearly, it's up to parents to keep the family boat afloat.