I hear ya. It's different looking back at it it later in life. There were times I felt my folks were in over their head, but they pressed on. They never quit, never gave up, and stayed focused on their goal.
It's remarkable when I compare it to a lot of modern day families. My father said he wouldn't even attempt it today. "I couldn't afford it!" He's still going at 94.
One of my brothers said if he talked to our parents like a lot of kids talk to theirs today, he wouldn't be here to say that. Our parents stayed in control by behaving like drill sergeants. I think they did well in the long run. The discipline and being strict was good. I was just one of those who liked coloring outside the lines. :-)