Parenting in the digital age can be a minefield, especially when every decision is scrutinized—and Sister Wives star Mykelti Brown Padron knows this all too well. After facing a wave of criticism for giving her young children iPads during a long car ride, Mykelti fired back with a candid response that has sparked both applause and debate. But here’s where it gets controversial: is it fair to judge a parent for using technology to keep their kids entertained, when adults do the same thing every day? Let’s dive in.
Mykelti, the second child of Sister Wives stars Kody Brown and Christine Brown, recently found herself at the center of a parenting debate after sharing a video on Instagram. In the clip, posted on January 8, she addressed the "massive" backlash she received for giving her daughter Avalon, 4, and twin sons Archer and Ace, 3, iPads during a four-hour road trip to her sister’s house. "I got some serious hate comments recently," Mykelti revealed. "I actually got hate DMs. Massive amounts of them."
She explained that during the drive, both she and her husband, Tony Padron, were using their own devices—she was scrolling on her phone and Kindle, while Tony was listening to a podcast. "I gave my kids iPads so that they could be entertained as well," she said. "They could enjoy the drive. It’s four hours. They’re fine."
What’s striking is the double standard Mykelti highlighted: adults rely on technology for entertainment during travel, yet parents are often shamed for doing the same for their children. "We get on our phones while we drive," she pointed out. "I’m a straight-up passenger princess." Her frustration with the "mom criticism culture" was palpable: "We get judged so hard as moms for trying to entertain our kids."
And this is the part most people miss: the hypocrisy of critics who likely use their phones while leaving negative comments. One Instagram user summed it up perfectly: "They are writing hate comments to you… FROM THEIR PHONE. It’s ridiculous. I will never understand the iPad hate from other moms."
Mykelti’s response resonated with many, who rallied behind her. "Seriously?? Who isn’t giving their children an iPad or smartphone on drives??" one supporter wrote. Another added, "You don’t owe anyone an explanation. We are all out here surviving and doing the best we can."
This isn’t the first time Mykelti has opened up about the pressures of motherhood. In an August Instagram post, she shared her struggles with self-doubt and guilt, admitting, "Sometimes I do yell, sometimes I do breakdown & need a minute, sometimes I just turn on the TV and I leave the room. It’s completely normal." She often reminds herself, "This is my first time being a mom. I don’t have any previous life experience of being a mom, there isn’t a perfect guide, and I’m human."
Her philosophy? As long as her kids are happy, healthy, and learning, she’s doing a great job. "I’m the best mom for them," she declared.
But here’s the controversial question: Is relying on iPads for entertainment during long trips a parenting win or a missed opportunity for old-school engagement? Some argue that screens stifle creativity and connection, while others see them as a practical tool for modern families. Where do you stand? Let’s keep the conversation going in the comments—because whether you agree or disagree, one thing’s clear: parenting is hard, and we could all use a little less judgment and a lot more support.
