mom not be the sharpest knife.... but i don't think there is any malice in her mis-deeds.  she's just not  a natural mom, or didn't have good role models. if she actually attends parenting classes  it could be the silver lining here.  seems she loves her kids..she thought up special fun for them! 
  she'll come out of jail a bit older and much wiser.  she just might turn into a really good mom...i hope...