Joanna Wilkins* was exhausted. Being a single mom to her rambunctious 8-year-old son Timmy* in the small town of Woodwards, Mississippi was no easy feat. She worked long hours at the diner to make ends meet, and by the time she got home, she had little energy left to be the patient, caring mother she wanted to be.

So when she saw the trailer for the new Ultraman movie about the superhero having to learn how to parent a giant baby monster, it struck a chord. The news article about the film's premise of balancing heroic responsibilities with parenting duties reminded Joanna of her own struggles.

The movie's release triggered memories of how overwhelmed and alone Joanna felt after her husband left them when Timmy was just a toddler. She knew she needed help, but there were no nearby parenting resources in their small town.

That's when Joanna discovered the Stepping Into Action online program. Following its lessons on stress management, positive discipline, and self-care, she started incorporating new routines that brought more balance to their lives. 'I finally feel like I have the energy and patience to be the mom Timmy deserves,' she said with a grateful smile.

Family therapists praised the idea of seeking help through programs like Stepping Into Action. 'Being a single parent is immensely difficult,' said Dr. Amy Roberts. 'Having tools to manage stress and connect with your child is crucial.'

However, some critics argued that online programs can't replace in-person support. 'There's no substitute for human interaction,' cautioned Dr. Michael Taylor. 'A video course can't provide the same level of personal guidance as having someone truly understand your unique situation.'

Regardless of the debate, for Joanna, taking that first step to ask for help was profound. 'I realized that, just like Ultraman, I don't have to fight all my battles alone. Getting support doesn't make me a failure - it makes me a better parent.'

Nearby: Evansboro Alabama