Before you know it, the calendar flips to November, your to-do list triples overnight, and suddenly you’re stress-breathing in the corner to the tune of Jingle Bells. If the holidays have a way of sneaking up on you (and taking your sanity with them) you’re in good company.

In this archived episode, we’re revisiting one of our most relatable conversations: How to Stay Sane During the Holiday Season with #MilMCContributor Kailyn.

From managing expectations, to keeping your calendar from combusting, to letting go of the mythical “perfect” holiday, Kailyn brings the kind of practical, grounded advice we all need this time of year.

Whether you’re navigating deployments, travel plans, visiting family, hosting family (we see you), or just trying to remember where you hid the gift receipts, this episode is the reset your nervous system has been waiting for.

✨ Listen in and exhale… you don’t have to do the holidays alone.
🎧 Tune in now and read Kailyn’s full post here:
https://militarymomcollective.com/parenthood/military-moms/how-to-stay-sane-during-the-holiday-season/

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Providing protection for your family. Peace of mind for you.

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In this episode Maura chats with Jenny Valderas, Senior Director of Family Support Services at Operation Homefront, a non-profit that’s proudly supported America’s military families since 2002.

Jenny explains how Operation Homefront offers relief and recurring support programs aimed at preventing short-term challenges from turning into long-term hardships. She also highlights their Military Child of the Year® program recognizing the resilience, leadership, and service of military‐connected children and explains how this fits into the broader mission of service, honor, and community for military families.

From emergency assistance and back-to-school initiatives to transitional housing and youth recognition programs, this is a must-listen conversation for any military parent, spouse, or advocate who cares about the strength and future of our community.

Support the show

Thank you for listening!

📌 Don’t Forget to Subscribe & Review!

If you found value in this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us! We invite you to share your own experiences as a military spouse and/or mom, either in the comments or through our social media channels.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor - USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York.

Providing protection for your family. Peace of mind for you.

Their term coverage includes unique features specifically designed to help protect military families.

Connect with Us:

• Website
• Instagram - @theredwhiteandboo
• Email: podcast@militarymomcollective.com

In this episode of Red, White & Boo, Nicki speaks with Dr. Kristi Cabiao, founder of Mission Alpha Advocacy, about the grassroots movement led by volunteers who share one powerful connection, they all love someone with autism.

Dr. Cabiao explains how Mission Alpha Advocacy began and how this passionate team is standing up for military families by challenging gaps in the TRICARE system. They discuss the Autism Care Demonstration, access to ABA therapy, and the complex relationship between the Defense Health Agency (DHA) (which creates the policies) and the TRICARE contractors (responsible for carrying them out).

This candid conversation sheds light on what it means to turn frustration into advocacy and how one dedicated group is working to make sure every family gets the care they need and deserve.

💡 Related reads from Military Mom Collective:
👉 What Autism Is by Identifying What It Isn’t
👉 5 Ways to Teach Your Children to Be Inclusive

Support the show

Thank you for listening!

📌 Don’t Forget to Subscribe & Review!

If you found value in this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review us! We invite you to share your own experiences as a military spouse and/or mom, either in the comments or through our social media channels.

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor - USAA Life Insurance Company and USAA Life Insurance Company of New York.

Providing protection for your family. Peace of mind for you.

Their term coverage includes unique features specifically designed to help protect military families.

Connect with Us:

• Website
• Instagram - @theredwhiteandboo
• Email: podcast@militarymomcollective.com