Hi Myself and Mrb,
I've been there myself, Mrb-so has 2 of my sisters. I could start playing and next thing I know, it's been 6 hours.
It can be a very demented game and I do get into my moods when I choose to be a very mean "god" to those poor sims people. (muahahahaha) But 90% I'm a nice "god".

Myself, you must be a very patient mother-save the children at all costs! I do that on most occasions but then something snaps the 20th time the kid starts acting like a brat although, I am learning to just call the nanny when it becomes too much for me to handle.
The kids temper tantrums crack me up though.