Your favorite “Teen Mom” ladies are back for an all-new third season. I had to stay awake and give you this recap so you can see how the new season is shaping up. There have been some…interesting developments.
Let’s check out the moms one by one:
Catelynn – After giving up her daughter for adoption, Catelynn had to deal with the verbal abuse and disapproval from her mom and stepdad. But now she’s patched things up with her mom, but feels unsafe living in their house after signs of a break-in.
She tries to find another place to live and is thinking about moving in with Tyler, her boyfriend/fiance. Only one problem – they haven’t graduated high school yet…oh, and Catelynn needs a job. I feel like Catelynn’s place on the show is a bit awkward. I would never try to say she’s not a “teen mom,” because she IS a birth mom and nothing can ever change that. On the other hand, I don’t know how healthy it is for Catelynn to have to keep reliving her decision over and over and over and over….
Farrah – Wants a boob job. Can’t afford it. Tried to get a loan. Get rejected. Tried again. Got approved. Now has bigger boobs. I feel like that’s all I want to say about that.
Amber – Trying to decide between Chris, her new boyfriend, and Gary, her on-again, off-again boyfriend/her daughter Leah’s father. “I have to think about what’s best for Leah,” Amber says, “but I’m not convinced that getting back with Gary is the right answer.” I’ve written about Amber a couple of times before and I’ve tried to sympathize with the girl. Trust me, I’ve been where her head is at. But it took real courage for me to face the fact that I was being incredibly immature and I needed to step up and be the best mother I knew how, no matter what was in my way. Amber and Gary are (were?) in couples counseling and it was clear their communication has not improved, particularly when it comes to getting over their past problems. I want Deesha from CoParenting101 to come in there and show them how to work together as parents – Deesha, are you listening?
Maci – I actually met Maci last week and if I can just be a little honest, she seemed tired. Not like she looked tired, or she had bags under her eyes, but like she was just ready to go lay down and breathe quietly for a moment, away from her responsibilities. My favorite Maci moment of the premiere?
Maci:”Why is my life so hard?”
Friend: “Because you had unprotected sex.” Wow. I bet you the Candies’ Foundation is all over that one.
She’s dealing with child support issues and unresolved beef between her current boyfriend, Kyle and child’s father, Ryan. An article in the New York Post claims the show is moving away from the kids and focusing more on the rocky relationships that exist in each of the mom’s lives. From what I saw in the premiere, they just might be right.
At this point, I don’t know what I want MTV to do. I wish the show was more well-rounded – if you’re going to show Maci and Ryan’s custody issues (which is fine), then can you show Maci trying to get a babysitter last minute so she can go to class? Or can you show her celebrating after getting an A on a chemistry test? Can you show Amber and Leah actually interacting? Maybe I missed it but where the heck is Amber’s support system? Can we see Farrah on these modeling gigs she keeps talking about? Did I miss that in an earlier season?
What do you say? Anyone who’s a birth mom willing to give their two cents on Catelynn’s role in the show? Was Farrah wise for getting the boob job? Should Amber and Gary be together? Let me know in the comments!
I watched tonight’s episode with mixed emotions. While I want to sympathize with each girl and their sitiuation, some of their choices (boob job??) makes it continually hard for me. At the same time, though, I cannot imagine what it is like to be in their position; a mom before they can even vote, drink or buy cigarrettes. So I will never judge, I just hope that continue to grow into adulthood and learn from each decision that they make, both good and bad. I do know that I will be tuned in, as this show serves as a good talking point with the teens in my life.
Ok…Catelynn, to me, is a mom. She gave up her child and made the ultimate sacrifice because she knew that she and her family were not ready. She will always feel drawn to her child out of pure love. I think the audience loves Catelynn’s love story with Tyler. Her mother’s drama is added entertainment. Farrah. I do not know what to say about her. I think since the beginning with moving out and all, she has continually lived above her means, always wanting things she could not have. SMH at her boob job. Amber and Gary are clearly in an unhealthy relationship and should not be together at all. They do not have to be a couple in order to be parents to Leah.
Of course the show has moved away from the kiddos. The drama with the relationships and family draws more viewers and creates headlines, I guess. The show should definitely be more rounded. What we see is what we see and we can only draw conclusions from that.
I actually think Catelynn’s role is a good one for other teen moms who have made the decision to give up their babies or adoption. Although I did not give up my baby, I believe Cate is an inspiration to other moms about lie ater adoption.
@Jennice – You make a really good point. I just remember how nasty her mom was about her decision and I felt so bad for Catelynn! I guess since her mom has mellowed out, then it’s a little better. I would hate if her mom was still harping on her decision AND it had to be replayed on national TV over and over again. But from what I can see, Catelynn is adjusting well.
I feel like Catelynn is a mom, even though Carly isn’t in their lives every day. Catelynn still had to grow up at the age of 16 with getting pregnant. Then she had to make another grown up decision to give her daughter up for adoption to have a better life. What if Catelynn did keep Carly? Would the relationship between Catelynn and her mom be a better one?
@Cassandra – I do feel like Catelynn is a mom, too. I did like the scene at the end when Catelynn and Tyler wanted to move out on their own because they felt like they weren’t “kids” anymore. I agree – how do you go back to living a “carefree” life after you’re a birthparent? That would be interesting to explore in future episodes…
I have to say, I looked forward to this premiere. I only wish that they would in some way acknowledge that these girls are getting paid. It makes the money issues (i.e., Farrah’s “quest” for a boob job) seem disingenuous . Being a teen mom is hard in so many ways, money isn’t the only problem. I wish they would just leave the money issues out of the show because we all know they aren’t real for these girls!