I used to think that reality TV shows were really stupid because I thought that they were all scripted. My views changed when I watched Teen Mom 2. I get so emotional watching it because I can relate to so many of those girls' situations. I gave birth to my son when I was 23 years old on December 8, 2006. During my pregnancy, during labor and even after my son was born, my son's father was a complete jerk to me. It sounds stupid but I feel a connection to the girls on the show. I have followed the girls through all three seasons and I will continue to follow them on their fourth season.
The end of the third season made me cry. Kailyn is co-parenting with her son's father. I envy that but I can also relate to her life because I was always wishing that my ex-boyfriend and I would get along for our son's sake. When I was pregnant and even after I gave birth, I tried so hard to make things work with my ex, even when he treated me so badly by cheating on me and abusing me. Abuse does not have to be purely physical because I believe that I was so emotionally abused that I still live in fear of him today. Leah is co-parenting her twins with Corey, which is awesome considering that Corey is trying to be supportive of her decisions, even when she got engaged to someone new after they got divorced. Her life reminds me of how much I tried to move on from such an abusive relationship. When I finally met Ben, my boyfriend now, I was in shock from how much respect and love I was given. Ben made it so much easier for me to move on. In fact, Ben stood by my side during all my court hearings and even moved back to Hawaii with me.
When I watch the lives of Chelsea and Jenelle, I get very angry because they choose to expose their children to unhealthy lifestyles. When I watch the abusive relationships that these two girls put themselves through, I wish I could reach through the TV screen and slap them. At the end of the third season, the father of Jenelle's son called her after two years of no contact. I know exactly how that feels. My son barely hears from his dad and what is worse is that my ex gives my son broken promises. It is so frustrating dealing with a parent that only is there for their child when it's convenient for themselves. As for Chelsea, I was so proud of her near the end of the third season because she finally stayed away from Adam, her daughter's father. They had the most emotionally abusive relationship in the show. He hurt her so bad and she always took him back. I did that for a whole year before realizing how bad my ex was for my son and me. Chelsea finally got her life back on track by getting her GED and starting beauty school.
Watching Teen Mom 2 brings back some harsh memories and some deep emotions but it also makes me smile. I am so proud of myself of going back to college and working so I can take care of my child since I don't receive any child support. Although my boyfriend, Ben, has been in my son's life for about 5 years now, I still consider myself a single mom because I am the one that is supporting my son. I am lucky though to have Ben in me and my son's life because he is more of a father to my son than my ex will ever be. Nowadays, I call my ex the "sperm donor" because that is all he has contributed in my son's life. It's so sad but I have to do the best I can with what I have.
Proud of you mama! :)
ReplyDeleteI tried watching teen mom and still can't stand it. I can't relate and have my own personal view on the show. Hint, "teen" mom. I don't want to get into it too much because I know I'll be very opinionated. But, above all, props to those who overcome these obstacles. :)
ReplyDeleteKlaire, not everyone is going to like the show but I hope that you understand why some girls do. I think that many girls today, teen or older, will face struggles similar to these girls whether the show is scripted or not. I have seen too many girls feel stuck with the father of their child because they don't want to give their children a broken family. I was like that when my son was first born. Watching the show made me realize the stupid mistakes I made in the past but fortunate to have moved on. Some girls are not confident enough to be independent as a person before trying to be a single mom. I think that most struggling mothers, young and old, can see part of themselves in these girls. Many women are struggling today, whether it's the struggle of co-parenting, finding independence, being able to accept new beginnings, getting out of abusive or unhealthy relationships, balancing school, work, parenting,family issues or more. So, when I look at the title, it's easy to judge, but I believe that there is more meaning to the show. some may understand the show, and some find it pointless, but every show has a meaning or a message to deliver to their audience. I think that the show points out things that some girls do not see happening to themselves. Sorry to write an essay to your response but I think the show is meant to teach some girls different issues that are happening today,
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