Well, it’s no longer 16 and Pregnant, the show is now called “Teen Mom” and I have to admit that I’ve went back for more. Reality television is worse than the soaps and when the season ends, it definitely leaves you hanging. There are tons of new changes in these young teen lives that have occurred in between seasons and now with it being more about being a parent than just pregnant, the real fun has begun.

While I know that some people feel that shows like this somehow “promote” teen pregnancy or glorify it, I would say that anyone who watches this show would see that this is the furthest thing from the truth. While there is one teen that seems to truly love being a mother (Macy), there seems to be nothing but constant struggle and conflict in the lives of all of these teen parents. It shows it all…the financial struggles, the struggles with their own parents, the struggles within their relationships as parents, bringing other people into the equation and even examples of domestic violence.

It also shows how much in denial these teens are about the reality of their situations. You’ve got the ones that think they can do it on without the help of anyone or their parents. Even the girl who is the victim of her mother’s anger (and has to press charges against her for domestic violence), may still end up dependent on her before all is said and done. For now she seems to think that she is going to be able to make it on her own with what seems like just a part-time job? For her, there doesn’t seem to be any guy drama because the father of her child has never been seen. I can imagine her mother had nothing to do with that! I mean when the officer almost shoots her after not putting down some kitchen knives, you have to wonder why anyone would run like hell from that situation.

Then there is Macy, who thinks that she is going to be able to raise her son in an environment that is going to be more college friendly than kid friendly. Not that her friends seem to be major hell raisers and don’t think that Bentley is the cutest thing ever, but I’m sure her parent’s concerns were just a wee bit valid. I get that she doesn’t like hearing her mother “nag” her about a “to do” list, but let’s face it, you are lucky to have such great parents who want you there. Then there is Macy’s ex who doesn’t feel that he has any financial obligation towards the child, so she has to take out child support on him. I will say that he’s a pretty laid back guy and fortunately there weren’t any heated exchanges in the courthouse parking lot.

There is Gary who thinks that he wants to stay at home and be a full-time dad. Maybe that is the best thing for now, but would require him to be the one to do more of the “cleaning up” which he is currently always nagging his girlfriend about. However, I’m not too sure she is happy with this idea because there seems to be more conflict. At one point she thinks she may be pregnant again (hello?? why isn’t she on birth control??), but she’s not. I’m thinking that was a bad few days of not knowing. But that day didn’t seem too long from the day that Gary picks up another teen mom at Walmart and informs Amber that “he likes” someone else. I love Amber’s reaction about that mishap. “So you need some space or time?” “So what, you can go….expletives this other girl”. I mean yes, she does seem to verbally abuse (and even almost physically) him sometimes, but geeeez, does this guy have a brain? Even his friend advised that he wouldn’t want to be around for that conversation. Eventually Gary picks his brain back up off the floor and decides his heart is with Amber.

Last but not least there is Catelynn and her boyfriend who gave up their precious one for adoption. While it is admirable that they both want to still be a part of their daughter’s life and feel a connection with her (one scene she was making her a scrap album), you also wonder if it doesn’t take a huge toll on them and their relationships. Her boyfriend seemed to be the best out of the bunch with even producing a ring, however after living together for a long enough period of time, he and his mother felt it was best for her to go back home. Her family life is less than appealing (thus the adoption) and she is not thrilled to go back to say the least. Soon some trust issues between the two pop up, but by the end after many tears on the part of Catelynn, they seemed to have worked it out…for now.

Wow, we all know our lives are hard but after watching this show, you definitely are thankful you didn’t start out that young with them that hard.