This was what she was steeling herself for. Of course she's being hysterical. Mothers are renowned for becoming hysterical. Thank the gods, then, that Isidor has no such urge to fall apart at the mention of children.

She speaks slowly and calmly, letting neither her voice nor her gaze waver. "Let your children go hungry, so that you'll still be around to protect them. You don't want them to be alone. Without you. Trying to survive this storm alone? You don't want that. I know you don't. So. Do as I say. Obey the rules."