A frightened child did exactly the right thing; they picked up the phone and called 911.
Just after 10 p.m., Portsmouth Police received an emergency call from a child who said their mother had made alarming comments about self-harm before leaving the home, leaving the child alone and scared. Officers immediately dispatched units and contacted Children’s Services due to the seriousness of the situation.
When officers located the mother a short time later, she told them she did not intend to harm herself or anyone else. She explained she was overwhelmed and emotionally distraught after a recent breakup. The woman’s mother arrived on scene as well, and the mother agreed her child could safely stay overnight with the grandmother. Police updated CPS and documented the incident.
When Parents Hit a Breaking Point: What You Should Do
Stress, heartbreak, financial pressure, burnout — parents are humans first. But when emotions boil over, kids feel the shockwaves. Here are steps every parent should know before hitting a crisis point:
1️⃣ Step Away — But Don’t Leave Kids Alone
If you need to breathe, take a drive, or walk around the block, make sure a responsible adult is present with your child. Even a five-minute absence can terrify a kid.
2️⃣ Tell Someone You Trust
Grandparents, siblings, best friends — let someone know you’re struggling. Emotional overload is far more common than people admit.
3️⃣ Call a Crisis Hotline Before Things Spiral
Ohio has a 24/7 hotline: 988
You can talk, text, or chat confidentially. Sometimes a ten-minute conversation is enough to pull you back from the edge.
4️⃣ If Your Child Is Worried — LISTEN
Children often notice signs of distress before anyone else does. If your child expresses fear, take it seriously.
5️⃣ Make a Safety Plan for Bad Days
This can include:
- People you can call
- A quiet space to cool down
- A list of coping tools
- A caretaker who can step in temporarily
6️⃣ Protect Your Kids Emotionally
You don’t have to be perfect — you just have to be safe.
If you ever feel like you might lose control, step away with a plan, not in panic.
7️⃣ Remember: Asking for help is NOT failing
It’s parenting.
A Message to Parents
Breakups hurt. Stress overwhelms. Life gets heavy — sometimes unbearably so. But your kids want you, not perfection. There is strength, not weakness, in asking for help before a crisis escalates.
