Naomi Durst Talks "Four of a Kind"

Imagine what your life would be like if you were a single mom raising teenage quadruplets and a 19-year-old son? If you're Naomi Durst, it's just a typical day. And you can see first hand what exactly those days are like in the Lifetime unscripted series, "Four of a Kind" which airs Tuesdays at 11 & 11:30 pm/10:30c.

Not only is this busy mom of five surrounded by kids (and camera crews) at home but she also spends hers days teaching high school Language Arts (when does she get her "me-time"!?!). Currently she's getting Calli, Kendra, Megan and Sarah through their senior year and preparing for all five kids to head off to college.

We caught up with Naomi and asked her a few questions about motherhood, creating her own personal time and what life is like in her shoes...

LTM: What is one of the biggest challenges and greatest rewards of being a single mother raising 5 children?

Durst: One of the biggest challenges of being a single mom is that decision making, as well as disciplinary action, rests solely on my shoulders. They are both burdens that would be nice to share.  Still, the rewards of raising children far outweigh the challenges.  A simple, "Love you, Mom," on their way out the door can make up for just about anything!  There is no perfect situation and we all do the best that we can.

LTM: What do you consider “me time” and how do you enjoy it when you have it? What’s your favorite escape?

Durst: "Me time" can be something as simple as time alone for even an hour when all of the kids are at an activity or friend's house.  Most moms know how to make the best of their oftentimes limited "me time."  I enjoy spending it with friends, going out for lunch, attending plays, reading a good novel, going to movies, shopping, etc.

LTM: Is there a specific age that was particularly challenging with the 4 girls? Or are you going through that age now in the teen years?
Durst: I think that every age has its challenges.  When children are pre-school age, they are very dependent on Mom and so there is not a lot of "me time."  By the same token, when they become teens, start to demand their independence, and spend more time away from home, there might be more opportunities for "me time".  However, a lot of the time is spent worrying about the kids, where they are, and what they are doing.  I don't think moms really ever stop worrying about their children - even when they are 40!

LTM: What’s the best advice your mom ever gave you?

Durst: The best advice my mother gave me was to depend on my own instincts.  Although doctors and child psychologists are experts and have wonderful advice to share, a mother really does know her children better than anyone else.  As always, my mother was and still is right!

LTM: How is Mother’s Day celebrated in your home?

Durst: Mother's Day is celebrated in my home as I am sure it is in most homes.  We don't really have a set tradition, but I have received flowers, cards, gifts, and dinners.

LTM: What is life like when a camera crew is in your home? Was it a surreal experience?

Durst: Having a camera crew in my home was a surreal experience, but after awhile, the family really did adjust to the camera and crew and they became part of our everyday routine.  We were very fortunate to work with a great group of people who treated us with kindness, respect, and compassion.  Although we do not miss the camera, we do miss our crew!

LTM: Have you been watching the show on TV with your kids?  What has the reaction and emotional response been like?

Durst: We have been watching the show and particularly appreciate the positive and upbeat scenes.  We thoroughly enjoyed the March 22 episodes and found ourselves laughing out loud even though we had taped the scenes and knew what to expect.  Our family and friends have been very supportive throughout the process of filming and viewing.  It has been quite an experience!

Tune in to "Four of a Kind" which airs Tuesdays at 11 & 11:30 pm/10:30c.