MTV Follows Up "16 & Pregnant" with "Teen Mom"

MTV has decided to expand on its show "16 & Pregnant" with the series "Teen Mom", which airs on Tuesdays at 10pm. The teen moms who had their stories carried over to the new show are: Maci, Farrah, Catelynn and Amber. Missing from the lineup are Eboni and Whitney who also had their stories featured in 16 & Pregnant. The show is definitely interesting in the way that teen parenting is depicted for the MTV generation.

As I watch the show, there is the usual drama which ensues when you have children forced to grow up and take on adult roles. You have two of the young women, Maci and Amber who live with their children's fathers and are engaged to be married. Its almost spellbinding watching as things fall apart when these children realize that love isn't enough to keep a family afloat and boy it does suck watching life evolve for your friends as yours seems to be put on pause. How quickly does one learn that there is no "I" in team?

Catelynn's story touches me most of all, out of all of the teen mothers, her decision to put her daughter up for adoption was the most selfless act I think I have seen in a long time. The dynamic that exists between her and her boyfriend is incredible. Its almost heart wrenching to watch as Catelynn's problems at home which include her ex felon step-father and emotionally vacant mother get heaped on top of everyday life stressors. In somewhat of a strange twist, Catelynn takes heat from all fronts because of her decision to give up her daughter and give her a chance at a life better than hers.

Farrah is a case study in whats wrong with teens today. She has a gorgeous daughter Sophia but has no interaction with the baby's father. After giving birth, instead of focusing on her life and doing what she needs to do for the future, we see her constantly chasing boys and not understanding why they cower at the thought of being a "step-daddy". Sounds like Farrah might need a reality check and some firm parenting.

Even though I definitely get what MTV is trying to do with this series, I don't know if it hits the mark. While we watch the girls go through life and struggle to balance their academics and parenting, another question pops into my head. Exactly who is supporting these moms and their children? In what I have seen of the show so far, I haven't seen any of the young ladies heading to a job. With the economy being what it is, do their 17 year old boyfriends make enough to take care of three people?

The lives that the majority of these girls lead as portrayed by MTV is a life devoid of financial responsibility and monetary struggle. Does it really do justice to portray to teen girls the biggest discomfort you'll experience if you have a baby is not making homecoming? In my opinion, it doesn't do enough of a job of making you think about the negative aspects of teen parenting.