Mykelti Padron, known from the reality series *Sister Wives*, recently addressed significant backlash regarding her parenting choices, specifically her decision to allow her three children to use iPads during a long car journey. The 29-year-old mother faced a wave of criticism on social media after sharing a post about the family’s road trip, which included her daughter Avalon and twin sons Archer and Ace.
In a video shared on January 8, 2024, Padron expressed her frustration over the negative comments she received. “I hate when I get judged for how I raise my kids,” she stated, revealing that the criticism was intense enough that she felt compelled to respond publicly. She mentioned receiving “massive amounts” of direct messages criticizing her decision to let her children use electronic devices to keep entertained during the four-hour drive.
During the trip, the family was headed to visit Padron’s younger sister, Ysabel. She defended her choice, highlighting that adults often use their phones while driving. “They’re fine,” she reassured viewers, emphasizing that the iPads were a temporary solution for a short duration. “I feel like as adults, that’s exactly what we do — we get on our phones while we drive,” Padron added.
The backlash prompted a supportive response from her followers. Many fans defended her parenting choices in the comments, with one remarking, “Seriously?? Who isn’t giving their children an iPad or smartphone on drives??” Another commented, “You don’t owe anyone an explanation. We are all out here surviving and doing the best we can.”
Padron’s family dynamic is shaped by her upbringing as one of six children shared by ex-partners Kody Brown and Christine Brown. Recently, viewers witnessed the emotional impact of her family’s relocation from Utah in an episode aired in October 2025. “Every time I talk about moving to my mom, I break her heart just a little bit more. She’s really sad. She’s really heartbroken,” she said during the episode.
The move was driven by Mykelti and her husband, Antonio Padron’s, aspirations, particularly in the realm of chess, as they relocated to a region known as “the chess capital of the U.S.” Antonio expressed his excitement about the move, citing opportunities to work, create content, and coach within the chess community. The couple celebrated their marriage on December 17, 2016, and they plan to mark their upcoming ten-year anniversary later this year.
Amid the criticism and challenges of parenthood, Mykelti Padron continues to advocate for her parenting style, pushing back against societal norms that often scrutinize mothers. Her candid discussions about family life resonate with many, reflecting the ongoing dialogue around parenting in the modern world.
