Screen Showdown

In this episode of Momtroversial, Leeah, Alyssa, and Tori tackle one of parenting’s most debated topics: screen time. From sharing personal boundaries to diving into the latest research, they unpack how screens affect children’s behavior, emotional development, and family dynamics. Expect candid stories, relatable struggles, and a few “yep, we’ve all been there” moments. Whether you’re a no-screens-ever parent or “pass the tablet, I need five minutes,” you’ll leave with fresh ideas for fostering healthy habits at home—without losing your sanity.

screen time, parenting, motherhood, child development, educational content, family activities, emotional development, parenting challenges, healthy habits, mom life

• Limit screen time as much as possible.

• Avoid using screens as a reward to prevent unhealthy associations.

• Background TV can be just as stimulating as active viewing.

• Educate yourself on the impacts of screen exposure.

• Offer kids autonomy and opportunities for open-ended play.

• Model healthy behaviors—kids notice everything.

• Short screen detoxes can lead to big behavioral shifts.

• Create safe spaces for exploration without digital distractions.

• Keep a toolkit of screen-free activities ready.

• It’s never too late to adjust your parenting approach.

00:00 Welcome to Mom Traversal
01:00 Screen Time Opinions and Practices
06:16 The Impact of Screens on Behavior
11:56 Understanding Screen Time Decisions
17:04 The Role of Parental Education
22:16 The Need for Entertainment vs. Exploration
28:00 Challenging Screen Time Norms
37:05 The Journey of Motherhood
38:28 Understanding Child Behavior
39:51 The Impact of Screen Time
45:04 Alternatives to Screen Time
52:23 Modeling Behavior for Kids
58:20 Final Thoughts on Parenting and Screens

• Raise Wildflowers Research

• Dr. Kardaras Research

• PubMed Study on Screen Time

• Type of Screen Time Study (PDF)

• “Glow Kids” by Dr. Nicholas Kardaras – Amazon

• Good Inside Podcast – Maternal Instinct

• Yoto Player – Amazon Link

• Yoto Cards – Amazon Link

• The Unschooled Project – Instagram

Mental Mamas

Description:
In this episode of Momtroversial, we tackle the challenges of motherhood, from setting boundaries with in-laws to managing the emotional strain of military life. The hosts share candid stories about parenting, mental health, and building a support network. Learn how direct communication, community, and celebrating small victories can help you thrive in motherhood—especially when military life adds unique pressures.

Keywords:
motherhood, parenting, in-laws, military life, family dynamics, mental health, boundaries, communication, support, community

⏱️ Chapters:
00:00 – Welcome to Mom Traversal
01:31 – Navigating In-Law Dynamics After Baby
26:23 – Mental and Emotional Struggles of Military Spouses
32:13 – The Hidden Costs of Military Moves
35:17 – Creating a Home Amidst Transience
37:44 – Navigating Friendships and Community
45:07 – The Unique Challenges of Military Parenting
48:55 – Mourning the Life We Don’t Have
01:00:58 – Finding Joy in the Journey of Motherhood

🔗 Resources & Helpful Links:

• Military Counseling for Stress

• Military Family Life Counseling Program

• Unit Chaplain Roles & Responsibilities

• Find Installation Military & Family Support Services

• TRICARE Mental Health Services

In this episode of Momtroversal, hosts Leah, Alyssa, and Tori engage in a lively discussion about various parenting dilemmas through a game called Mom Jury. They explore topics such as bribing kids for good behavior, the effectiveness of homework, the implications of saying 'because I said so,' and the challenges of parenting in the digital age. The conversation culminates in a debate about the controversial practice of letting toddlers cry it out, emphasizing the importance of understanding children's emotional needs and fostering resilience.

motherhood, parenting, mom jury, homework, screen time, child behavior, parenting tips, controversial parenting, kids and technology, emotional development

Challenges of Living in Korea
In this eye-opening episode of Momtroversial, join Leeah, Alyssa, and Tori as they dive deep into the realities of living overseas in South Korea. From the emotional toll of navigating the legal system after a traumatic accident to adapting to cultural differences and environmental challenges, the moms share personal stories that highlight the tougher side of expat life.

It’s not all kimchi and cherry blossoms—this candid conversation explores the parts of living abroad that don’t always make the highlight reel. But through it all, humor, resilience, and community keep them going.

🗝️ Key Topics Covered:

• 🚨 Legal Challenges Abroad: Coping with the aftermath of an accident and navigating unfamiliar systems

• 🌫️ Air Quality Concerns: How pollution impacts daily life for families

• 🤝 Cultural Differences: The big and small moments that lead to culture shock—and growth

• 👩‍👧‍👦 Parenting as a Foreigner: Raising kids while adjusting to a different lifestyle and expectations

• 😅 Finding Humor and Resilience: How laughter and friendship help lighten the load

🎧 Why You Should Listen:
Whether you're preparing for a PCS to Korea or just curious about the unfiltered side of expat life, this episode offers honest insight, heartfelt moments, and practical wisdom for navigating the hard parts of living in a foreign country.

📲 Stay Connected:
Don’t forget to subscribe to Momtroversial and leave a review if you’ve enjoyed the episode.

🔖 Hashtags:
#Momtroversial #MilitaryLife #LivingInKorea #ExpatStruggles #RealTalk #CultureShock #MilitaryMoms #OverseasLife

What's the good of living in Korea?

📝 Episode Description:
In this heartfelt episode of Mom Traversal, we’re celebrating the joy of living in South Korea. From its stunning mountains to bustling cities and child-friendly culture, we share what makes Korea feel like home for military families stationed abroad.

Tune in as we reflect on:

• The breathtaking natural landscapes that inspire weekend adventures

• Korea’s famous kid cafes and how they make parenting just a little easier

• Our favorite Korean foods and dining experiences (yes, it’s really that easy to eat out with little ones!)

• How Korea blends ancient tradition with cutting-edge modern life

• Warm hospitality and cultural surprises that made us feel welcome from day one

Whether you’re preparing for a PCS or already exploring life on the peninsula, this episode offers insights, stories, and inspiration for embracing your Korean adventure.

🗺️ Key Topics Covered:

• Outdoor adventures in Korea’s natural beauty

• The joy and convenience of kid cafes

• Family-friendly dining experiences

• Discovering Korean traditions and festivals

• Everyday moments that made Korea feel like home

🔗 Resources & Helpful Links:

• Konny Baby Official Website

• Konny Baby Instagram

• AVAUMA Pajamas on Amazon

• Korea for Military Families Facebook Group

📲 Stay Connected:
Subscribe to Mom Traversal and share this episode with anyone curious about life in Korea. Follow us for more tips on military family life, travel, and adventures abroad.

🔖 Hashtags:
#LifeInKorea #MilitaryFamily #KoreaAdventure #FamilyTravel #KidFriendlyKorea #PCSing #MilitaryLife #ExpatLiving

Navigating Your PCS to Korea: Essential Tips and Tricks

In this episode of Momtroversal, we're unpacking everything you need to know to make your PCS (Permanent Change of Station) to Korea as smooth and stress-free as possible. Whether you're heading over solo, with your family, or bringing along your pets, we cover all the essentials based on real-life experience and lessons learned.

From understanding your housing options to handling the SOFA stamp and navigating financial considerations, we’ve got you covered. This is your go-to guide for feeling confident and prepared as you take on this exciting overseas move.

🗝️ Key Topics Covered:

• ✅ PCS Preparation: Timelines, paperwork, and what to expect before you go.

• 🐾 Shipping Pets: Key steps for getting your furry friends overseas safely, plus info on the Camp Humphreys Pet Care Center.

• 🏠 Housing in Korea: Pros and cons of on-post vs. off-post living and how to work with realtors.

• 🛂 SOFA Stamp & ARC Card: What they are, why they matter, and how to get them.

• 💰 Financial Tips: Smart ways to manage your budget and take advantage of military resources.

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 EFMP Considerations: Insights into how the Exceptional Family Member Program affects your PCS timeline.

🔗 Resources:

• PCS My POV – A helpful guide for vehicle shipping and general PCS preparation.

• Korean Visa & SOFA Information – Ministry of Foreign Affairs info on visas and the SOFA agreement.

• PCS Like a Pro – Resources, checklists, and community support for military families on the move.

#PCSing #MilitaryLife #KoreaMove #FamilyTravel #PetTravel #MilitaryPCS #SOFAStamp #OverseasLiving

From shipping your life in crates to Googling “how to survive jet lag with toddlers,” moving overseas as a military family is a whole different level of chaos.
In this episode, we’re unpacking (literally and emotionally) the PCS process, culture shock, homesickness, and the surprisingly funny—and frustrating—moments that come with starting over in a foreign country. We’ll talk about what we wish we’d known, how we adapted (or didn’t), and why overseas life is equal parts magical and maddening.
PCS chaos
Cultural adventures (and fails)
Making home when everything's foreign
Tips, truths, and translation troubles
Subscribe and share with your fellow jet-lagged moms—because no one should do an overseas PCS without backup.
#Momtroversial #MilitaryLifeAbroad #PCSOverseas #MilspouseChronicles #MovingWithKids #ExpatMomLife #MilitaryMoms #HotMessExpress #MomLifeUnfiltered #ParentingAbroad #MomFriendsWorldwide

Being a military spouse comes with its own brand of chaos—deployments, PCS moves, and trying to make best friends in under five minutes at a playground. In this episode, we’re getting real about what it’s like to build a support system when everything around you is constantly shifting.
We’re sharing our personal experiences with loneliness, survival mode, awkward friend dates, and how we found (and sometimes lost) our village along the way. Whether you’re new to milspouse life or you’ve been through a few duty stations, this one’s for you.
Because motherhood is hard—but doing it without a village? Nearly impossible.
Making friends as an adult
Building community from scratch
Military life myths vs. reality
The good, the hard, and the hilarious
Subscribe and share with your village—or send it to the mom who needs one. We’re in this together.
#Momtroversial #MilitarySpouseLife #MilspouseStrong #FindYourVillage #PCSProblems #MilitaryMoms #MakingMomFriends #ParentingUnfiltered #MomLifePodcast #HotMessExpress #RealMomTalk