S05.E02: Back To School

[ChristmasJones]

I've watched every episode of this series... but I've finally reached the point where I feel these people are too boring and stupid and predictable to watch anymore.... I feel sad. But I will keep reading on this thread because Teen Mom... I wish I knew how to quit you!!

[MissMel]

I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said "nothing." But her child transferred from preschool to kindergarten and Maci appeared to be overly dramatic for the cameras. And her need to continue on and see a therapist regarding the "big day" and Ryan missing it, was, in my opinion, over the top. She needs to have some perspective. Maybe think about the parents whose children won't make it to kindergarten. That might help.

I see your point but, for me, with my oldest child it was more about relinquishing my control of my son's time. Paying for preschool/daycare affords for flexibility. You pay for your child to be there during certain times. I paid for my son to be at preschool from 6AM to 6PM. I don't think he was there before 8:15 any morning. Some days, I picked him up at 1:30 and some days I had to get someone pick him up before 6. Some days he was never even there or only there for an hour. I paid for his spot whether we used it or not.

You just can't do that with public school kindergarten. It's the freedom that goes with them because they have to keep school hours now. No more slow days at work and picking them upat 10AM to play in the park before going home for lunch. I knew it was coming in a logical sense. But actually having it happen? I think Maci showed exactly what it feels like when it hits for the first time.

I'm totally with you on the Ryan stuff and therapist scenes. I think those are for camera time. That's her job though, too. So it's whatever, for me.

Edited April 3, 2015 by MissMel

[Jess14]

Just watched the episode, and I have to agree with the sentiment about Ryan. His father's reaction said it all. Ryan just doesn't give a shit, and they're tired of it. I can't stand Maci (what her excuse for not finishing her two-year degree yet), so I hate to be on her side about anything, but she clearly seems to be telling the truth about Ryan and his interactions with Bentley. Granted the therapy session seemed a bit over the top, but I do get her concern, even if I think Bentley will turn out just fine. I do agree with the poster who said that Ryan resents Bentley because it ties him to Maci, and it's clear that he hates her and would be happy if he never had to deal with her again. Of course, he needs to get the hell over it. What's done is done, and if he keeps it up, he'll end up with a son who wants nothing to do with him. Who knows, maybe he won't care. He doesn't seem to care much about anything. 

 

I do question if Bentley's statement that his mom's house is his "real house" is all that strange? I guess because of his age and the manner in which he said it, then it's a bit different, but pretty much every friend I had growing up who had divorced parents seemed to have that viewpoint. They referred to the house that they stayed at usually as "my house", whereas the one that they went to every other weekend was "my dad's house" or "my mom's house" - basically they didn't see it as their "real" house. Now, Bentley clearly seems to have (or be developing) issues with Ryan, so I'm sure he meant in a bad way, but a kid with separated parents seeing the home of the one with primary custody as their real home isn't crazy to me, in and of itself.   

 

I'm kind of over Catelynn and Tyler, mostly because I don't care for Tyler anymore, so I kind of blow through their scenes. 

 

I do think Amber has made some strides, but she's still childish to me. I didn't get why she refused to get out of the car at the school. Like what the hell. Kristina's daughter is a student there. It's not like she just showed up out of the blue to be there with Leah. I didn't get that at all. 

 

I'm actually looking forward to Farrah coming back. She's bizare, batshit crazy and one of the bitchiest and brattiest people that I've seen on reality tv, but she and her crazy, toxic family are at least interesting - usually. 

[alexa]

I am admittedly surprised at some of the comments not understanding why a mother would have an emotional reaction to her child going to school for the first time.  Even before I had a child I would have not thought it was that they weren't happy about the child going to school.  Of course we are happy to send our children to school, but it is emotional all the same.  You see that child grow up from a baby and before you know it, they are starting a whole new phase of their lives.  I can totally relate to Maci on this, or any mother.  Plus I don't think she made that big of a deal about it, she just got caught up in her emotions, and I agree with what was said above that she probably didn't just talk to the therapist about this subject.  I do think her being concerned for Bentley in regard to Ryan is justified--he is growing up and can see his father being distant with him.  That is hard to watch--these little guys have a lot of emotions and feelings and they have a good idea what is happening.

 

I also don't see how just because a child went to preschool how their first day of real school should be no big deal.  Many children like mine have been in daycare/preschool their whole lives, and it is still a big deal that they start school.  

[NikSac]

I am admittedly surprised at some of the comments not understanding why a mother would have an emotional reaction to her child going to school for the first time.  Even before I had a child I would have not thought it was that they weren't happy about the child going to school.  Of course we are happy to send our children to school, but it is emotional all the same.

 

I agree - there is a reason people bring Kleenex to graduations, weddings, etc. I get the crying even if the parent is happy but having mixed emotions about first-day-of-school drop offs. It's a big change.

 

Even if he couldn't be there (which I can understand), I wish Ryan had handled it better w/Bentley and I also wish Amber could've sucked it up to handle it better w/Leah. She was probably doing the best she could at the time, but man, I felt for the kid. The "wahhhh YOU messed up MY first day" bugged the crap out of me too.

[brandyelf]

I've watched every episode of this series... but I've finally reached the point where I feel these people are too boring and stupid and predictable to watch anymore.... I feel sad. But I will keep reading on this thread because Teen Mom... I wish I knew how to quit you!!

I'm feeling exactly the same way, thank you for expressing it so well. In the 5+years since these couples had unprotected or poorly-protected sex as teenagers (their claim to fame), what have any of them done with their lives? I see no significant personal growth in any of them. In fact, the only one that seems to have made an attempt to generate a career is Farrah (and I can't stand her, so I can't believe I'm saying that) but seriously? It's like they're all permanently frozen at 16, but with nicer cars and houses. There's no talent, no drive, just attempt to prolong a fame they only received in the first place because they were dumb enough to get knocked up at 16. They were then given an amazing opportunity to make something of themselves, and each and every one of them has squandered it. It's just the same crap, different day, plus with more babies. What a waste.

[GreatKazu]

When Butch mentioned Farrah doing porn, I immediately imagined him googling the video once he gets out of prison.

[qtpye]

I'm feeling exactly the same way, thank you for expressing it so well. In the 5+years since these couples had unprotected or poorly-protected sex as teenagers (their claim to fame), what have any of them done with their lives? I see no significant personal growth in any of them. In fact, the only one that seems to have made an attempt to generate a career is Farrah (and I can't stand her, so I can't believe I'm saying that) but seriously? It's like they're all permanently frozen at 16, but with nicer cars and houses. There's no talent, no drive, just attempt to prolong a fame they only received in the first place because they were dumb enough to get knocked up at 16. They were then given an amazing opportunity to make something of themselves, and each and every one of them has squandered it. It's just the same crap, different day, plus with more babies. What a waste.

   

 

 

Lets check off the things that are the same since not only Teen Mom, but also 16 and Pregnant.

 

Maci is pregnant-check

Maci still has not completed her degree-check

Maci is still fighting with Ryan-check

Maci is dating an understanding, but unattractive guy-check

Maci still resents Ryan for messing up her hopes of the perfect family-check

Ryan is still an entitled man child whose parents enable him- check

 

Cate is pregnant-check

Neither Cate or Tyler has finished school-check

Tyler talks about wanting to marry Cate, but does not really want to-check

Butch is in trouble with the law-check

Both Tyler and Cate talk about getting degrees, but really just sit around all day-check

 

Amber is unemployed-check

Amber mopes all day and is probably clinically depressed-check

Amber fights with Gary-check

Gary is morbidly obese-check

Amber wears too much make up-check

Amber's mother hates Gary-check

 

Things that are different

Amber has actually gotten her GED

Farrah has a ton of plastic surgery and a career in porn

 

Suddenly, I am depressed.

[Maharincess]

I see your point but, for me, with my oldest child it was more about relinquishing my control of my son's time. Paying for preschool/daycare affords for flexibility. You pay for your child to be there during certain times. I paid for my son to be at preschool from 6AM to 6PM. I don't think he was there before 8:15 any morning. Some days, I picked him up at 1:30 and some days I had to get someone pick him up before 6. Some days he was never even there or only there for an hour. I paid for his spot whether we used it or not.

You just can't do that with public school kindergarten. It's the freedom that goes with them because they have to keep school hours now. No more slow days at work and picking them upat 10AM to play in the park before going home for lunch. I knew it was coming in a logical sense. But actually having it happen? I think Maci showed exactly what it feels like when it hits for the first time.

I'm totally with you on the Ryan stuff and therapist scenes. I think those are for camera time. That's her job though, too. So it's whatever, for me.

It was the opposite for me. I was a widow with 2 small kids at 22. Through a small inheritance, survivors benefits and lots and lots of sacrifice, I stayed home with my kids. They never went to preschool or daycare. They socialized and had friends but I was their preschool. It was just me and them and I wanted them to be "mine" for as long as I possibly could.

Taking them to kindergarten was to me like they weren't all mine anymore.

They're now grown and my daughter has her own kids but I remember the first day of kindergarten like it was yesterday.

I held it together until I got to the car then I cried all the way home.

[MissMel]

It was the opposite for me. I was a widow with 2 small kids at 22. Through a small inheritance, survivors benefits and lots and lots of sacrifice, I stayed home with my kids. They never went to preschool or daycare. They socialized and had friends but I was their preschool. It was just me and them and I wanted them to be "mine" for as long as I possibly could.

Taking them to kindergarten was to me like they weren't all mine anymore.

They're now grown and my daughter has her own kids but I remember the first day of kindergarten like it was yesterday.

I held it together until I got to the car then I cried all the way home.

I don't think we are saying anything opposite, Maharincess. I think we are on the same exact page. :) Edited April 3, 2015 by MissMel

[Kellyee]

 

I am confused with the comment in bold. What does child support have to do with Bentley being on the show? Child support is based upon the incomes of both parents, who pays for the health insurance coverage for the child, and how much each parent has the child in their custody. If Ryan earns money from MTV, he is likely paying a bit more in child support to Maci. If he was NOT on the show, he would pay less to Maci.

 

I said that because it is almost impossible to put your child on a reality show unless the other parent agrees to it, and I just don't see any other reason why Ryan would have consented to appear and let Bently appear other than money. Ryan looks so miserable it is impossible to believe he signed up for fun. So I'm thinking Maci had a way to twist his arm and make him do it, and the only motivation would be saving money or making more money, or both. I'm sure they both had to re-sign contracts for the reboot of the show. And it seemed pretty obvious that at least Ryan's mom is worried about the effect of "fame" of Bentley, so I'm sure they weren't pushing him to sign.

 

I just hope Maci graduates college. That would make her the only teen mom other than Chelsea to achieve any higher skill or higher education.

[BettyPoz]

He wasn't really playing with him.  Just instructing him on how to hit or catch.  Larry kept telling Ryan to chill out and let Bentley be 5.  I just thought it was a bit heavy handed of Larry to instantly tell Ryan to chill out.  It didn't seem to me that Ryan was doing anything out of the ordinary and I disagree that 5 is too young to start teaching children that how you get good at something is to practice.....a lot.  It teaches them that you have to work to get things that you want.  Larry needs to choose one, either he wants Ryan to be interested in Bentley (Which he actually was in this scene) or he doesn't.  Don't start picking at Ryan because he doesn't agree with the way Ryan is doing it.  

I saw it as Larry saying that just because Ryan plopped himself in a lawnchair next to him after Larry had been outside with Bentley, he (Ryan) wasn't going to suddenly dictate what Bentley "needed" to do.  Bentley looks like he has a pretty good arm!  Even so, practice doesn't have to be 100% PRACTICE it can be having a little fun in the backyard.

 

If Sir Bentley was learning to play the guitar complete with instructor who asked that time be set aside for him to practice and Ryan showed up and said it was time to practice , to me it is the same thing. I note that The Bent often declares what he isn't or doesn't want to do. I think Ryan is right to keep his authority up front. Bentley is turning into a whiny little piece of work just like his mom.

1) I think the majority of the people in Bentley's life do NOT know the effect of talking about life in front of their young kids have (has?) on them.  "Little pitchers have big ears".  We've seen it in season's past - the fighting in front of Bentley between Maci and Ryan.  Children are so much smarter than we give them credit for sometimes.  So because of that, Bentley knows the tension, he knows how Maci feels about Ryan and Ryan about Maci and I'd bet his loyalty and love resides with his mother.  Maybe he's acting out in solidarity towards his mother.  Who knows.

2) Ryan shows up for his appointed time for a TV appearance and so his son who is being raised by his mother and his grandparents should drop everything to do what daddy wants?  First, he (Bentley) is so aware of the camera and second, he's a typical 5 year old who refuses to do what someone wants him to do. So Ha! That's not gonna happen!

 

Agreed. And, while there is nothing wrong with feeling sad about it, many people cry out of happiness, pride, etc. as well. 

 

 

 

 

I didn't take like either of those. I figured Jen just didn't want to see Lary blow his top and embarrass himself. She seems like a nice enough lady, but very concerned with appearances. There is probably a lot of underlying dysfunction with Ryan, but I bet she would prefer not to air it on tv. 

I saw that more as a "Not in front of Bentley!" look.  She was kind of looking at Bentley's head when she said it.  I wonder if they (Larry and Jen) keep their thoughts about Ryan behind doors and avoid talking or arguing about Ryan's behavior in front of Bentley.  

[ghoulina]

I think this is probably a lot of it. But I just can't deal with that from people who have signed on the dotted line to be on a TV show. She looks like an ass to me with her blind defense of Ryan.

 

I don't think Jen blindly defends Ryan. I do agree that it is annoying to have someone agree to come on camera and then try and paint a portrait that is different from reality.....but we have seen her a few times talk to Maci about Ryan, and she is basically siding with Maci. She tries to be "diplomatic" about it, but it's pretty clear that she has issues with Ryan and can understand Maci's frustrations. 

[ghoulina]

I said that because it is almost impossible to put your child on a reality show unless the other parent agrees to it, and I just don't see any other reason why Ryan would have consented to appear and let Bently appear other than money. Ryan looks so miserable it is impossible to believe he signed up for fun. So I'm thinking Maci had a way to twist his arm and make him do it, and the only motivation would be saving money or making more money, or both. I'm sure they both had to re-sign contracts for the reboot of the show. And it seemed pretty obvious that at least Ryan's mom is worried about the effect of "fame" of Bentley, so I'm sure they weren't pushing him to sign.

 

Don't the dads get paid on this show? I'm sure that's why Ryan appears. As far as Bentley, I don't think Ryan gives a shit if he appears on the show or not. Okay, well I don't see him making a stand because he's looking out for Bentley's best interest. But I could see him refusing to stick it to Maci. But, yea, my guess is that he consents to it all for the $$$. 

 

I saw that more as a "Not in front of Bentley!" look.  She was kind of looking at Bentley's head when she said it.  I wonder if they (Larry and Jen) keep their thoughts about Ryan behind doors and avoid talking or arguing about Ryan's behavior in front of Bentley.

 

Ahhhh, yes, I bet you are right about that. And, for once, I'd appreciate someone on this show not discussing the shortcomings of the parent(s) in front of the kids. 

[Tatum]

 

I feel that Ryan resents Bentley, because he is a ball and chain that directly ties him to Maci.  I always got the feeling Ryan hates Maci and really wanted to hit and  quit it.  Well Ryan, it is not Bentley's fault that you were too stupid to use birth control and now you are going to be linked to a woman you detest for the rest of your life.  I also think Ryan gets away with a lot because he is good looking.

 

I agree with all of this. It's sad, but in my own personal life, I have seen men whose parenting skills (and enthusiasm for parenting) are directly tied to their feelings for the kid's mother. Those that don't like their exes don't make as much effort as those that do (this is not to say it's a universal thing- plenty of single parents will slog through oceans to be there for their child even if they despise their ex, I am only talking about a small subset of parents and I think Ryan falls in this category).

 

What really annoys me about this theory is that Maci- while perhaps obnoxious, is truly the only fly in the ointment in Ryan's experience of young, single fatherhood. He doesn't have to work two jobs in order to pay rent for a shitty apartment and keep a beater car in gas and insurance. He doesn't have to have uncomfortable conversations with a jerky boss about missing work because his kid got sent home from school/daycare with pinkeye. He didn't have to give up his plan to go to college. He doesn't have to work all day, then try to write a paper at night while keeping his kid entertained. He doesn't have to watch all his friends going out and having fun while he is stuck at home watching the Backyardigans. He doesn't have to stay up all night with a vomiting kid who also has diarrhea. I could go and on.

 

I get it. There is literally no mom on either incarnation of Teen Mom that I would want to be stuck with forever (and that goes double for the dads). But does Ryan remotely appreciate how easy he has it compared to other people in his situation? I think Larry and Jen are nice people, but they really failed in raising a decent, productive member of society.

Edited April 3, 2015 by Tatum

[Brooklynista]

Ryan sadly reminds me of one of my cousins.  Had a kid when he was a teenager  and of course dumped it on Grandma and Grandpa. (Kid's mother was also useless).  Dropped in and out on weekends.  You know, came by and patted the kid on the head and went back to his youth and girl of the month.  Once cousin hit about 30 he married and had a family that he was there for day in and day out.  Nothing but anger and rage comes from the son now. 

 

Ryan needs to understand that you don't get a do-over with these years.  While Bentley may never hate Ryan, he won't forget that his dad chose to do driveby's as a dad.

[qtpye]

I think Ryan is stuck in absolute immaturity.  In his mind, Maci got pregnant on purpose and kept the baby (I have no idea if this is true, but I would bet this is what Ryan thinks), so it is totally unfair that he has to waste his prime partying years taking care of a kid.  He takes the minimum responsibility for his role in Bentley's conception.

[ethalfrida]

Over at TWOP all of these couples were prime discussion so my perception of Ryan is mostly based on his relationsjhip with Maci from the first show. If I remember correctly he spent a lot of time parenting even though his parents were always there too. Maci did things like show up on his vacation with his new girlfriend and was interfering with the activities. That is the time Bentley peed on her because she was in this physical and emotional tug of war with the child and he didn't want his day with his dad interfered with. She was worse than Amber with the new girlfriend and totally wrong. 

And at GossipRocks, Ryan was a hottie so that is what the discussion of him was about.

[Brooklynista]

I think it took Ryan a while to warm up to being a daddy.  He pretty much dipped out when Bentley was a baby.  He didnt really seem to become interested in Bentley until he was about 1.

 

Now it seems like the cameras went away and maybe Ryan did a bit too.

[Tatum]

Over at TWOP all of these couples were prime discussion so my perception of Ryan is mostly based on his relationsjhip with Maci from the first show. If I remember correctly he spent a lot of time parenting even though his parents were always there too. Maci did things like show up on his vacation with his new girlfriend and was interfering with the activities. That is the time Bentley peed on her because she was in this physical and emotional tug of war with the child and he didn't want his day with his dad interfered with. She was worse than Amber with the new girlfriend and totally wrong. 

And at GossipRocks, Ryan was a hottie so that is what the discussion of him was about.

 

That was creepy when she showed up at the beach where Ryan and family were vacationing with Bentley. And she probably did it to scope out Dalis, Ryan's girlfriend at the time (if I recall, she actually invited Dalis-alone- to come out with her and her friends that were at the beach with her). In Maci's defense though, I think she just showed up to say hi to Bentley and then was planning on spending the rest of the day with her friends, and the pee thing happened when she was handing him back to Ryan. I don't think she was like, going to sit in a chair and watch the family or anything.

 

I've not been impressed much with Ryan's parenting. He is a lot like Teen Mom 2 Jenelle- he wants to show up, play with his kid for a bit, then when he gets bored he wants to hand him back to someone else and go on about his business. I think he cares about Bentley and enjoys his company- but at his own convenience. I can see him saying down the road that he'd rather take on the role of the "fun uncle" than that of the dad.

[ghoulina]

I think it took Ryan a while to warm up to being a daddy.  He pretty much dipped out when Bentley was a baby.  He didnt really seem to become interested in Bentley until he was about 1.

 

Yea, Ryan was a POS when Bentley was born. I remember scene after scene of him leaving the apartment and Maci stuck alone with the baby. I hate when men think they can just do that. I get that if you're fighting it's good for someone to leave so as to cool down, but why does it always get to be the dad? How about Ryan stay with the baby and let Maci leave? And it wasn't always a big blow up fight. He'd just leave if she irritated him, or just because he wanted to. He couldn't handle being a daddy. Oh well, tough shit. You both made the kid, you should both step. 

 

I am willing to cut youngsters slack and give them second chances. Jo from Teen Mom 2 was pretty bad in the beginning as well. But I think he's a damn fine dad now. You can tell Isaac just LOVES spending time with him, and we've seen lots of interactions where Jo is an involved, patient, loving dad. I don't get that with Ryan. Yea, we've seen more scenes of him doing stuff with Bentley. But he never seems fully engaged to me. It's like he's just doing these things because that's what you do and the cameras are rolling. But I STILL don't see him having a vested interest in his kid and that's just sad. 

[ohthatkat]

C&T: I liked these two. Something has changed. I dislike the fact the Tyler was getting on Cate about her weight gain.  Maybe she has thyroid issues or other endocrine problems that makes her put on weight fast. I also HATED how Tyler was clearly disappointed they were having a girl.  Poor girl will most likely need therapy as she grows older :-/  (side note: I have no issues with therapy, it's actually amazing, I just hate the fact that this baby girl is born into chaos)

 

Maci: She's my favorite. She seems most level-headed out of the bunch however I hate the fact that she always makes mountains out of molehills. Ratings?

 

Amber: I wish she would go have a life. Get out, have a job, make some true friends (not cousins), etc. She seems to have issues still and therapy would be awesome for her too!

 

Farrah: No comment.   

[GreatKazu]

 

I said that because it is almost impossible to put your child on a reality show unless the other parent agrees to it, and I just don't see any other reason why Ryan would have consented to appear and let Bently appear other than money.

Umm...they all do it for the money. If not for the money, none of them, including Maci, including Farrah, including Ryan's parents, including Maci's boyfriend, would not consent to do this show.

[Tatum]

Eh, I think Tyler and Catelynn would do it for free.

[Maharincess]

I don't think we are saying anything opposite, Maharincess. I think we are on the same exact page. :)

I know. I just meant the schooling/daycare situation is the opposite.

[ghoulina]

Eh, I think Tyler and Catelynn would do it for free.

 

LOL, I'd be inclined to agree with you.

[sparklsky]

I have a male friend that could be a mirror for Ryan's behavior toward Bently. He does not believe the little boy is his but has never been man enough to step up and demand a paternity test. His parents center their existence around the child. They would be outraged if he even mentioned any doubts to them, let alone getting tested.

[lezlers]

Bentley looked bewildered in the restaurant as Ryan told him he'll hate school. Even his mother is giggling when she says "Don't say that..." Giggling? Seriously?

 

I rewound it but can't figure out what Bentley is saying but when Ryan leaves the restaurant, Bentley says something like "OK go," and claps as Ryan leaves. Then Mommy gets pissed off at her husband, glares at him and says "Stop" in the way that you would speak to a child. That was all about either: "Don't embarrass my baby boy," or "Please don't say anything that will piss our baby son off because then he'll be mad at meeeeeeeeee!" How asinine, not to mention insulting to her own husband.

 

I read that as she not wanting Larry to embarrass her or talk shit about Ryan on camera.  More of a saving face thing, than anything else.  Not that I think she's a good mom.  I think Ryan is the way he is for a reason.

[purplemonkey]

I'll add to the list of things changed or not since we last saw them: neither Maci nor Ryan have made much progress on their ear gauges.

[qtpye]

I have a male friend that could be a mirror for Ryan's behavior toward Bently. He does not believe the little boy is his but has never been man enough to step up and demand a paternity test. His parents center their existence around the child. They would be outraged if he even mentioned any doubts to them, let alone getting tested.

 

 

Yea, Ryan was a POS when Bentley was born. I remember scene after scene of him leaving the apartment and Maci stuck alone with the baby. I hate when men think they can just do that.

 

 

I wonder if Ryan resents his parents, even though they do a wonderful job in helping with Bentley?  I remember in 16 and Pregnant, his parents (and Maci's parents) were always strongly pushing for Ryan and Maci to be together for the good of the child.  I also think Ryan's parents seem to like Maci.  I think everyone was willing to give the marriage and family thing a try, except for Ryan.  He always had the look of a man being dragged to his execution, whenever he had to spend time with Maci and then baby Bentley.

[lezlers]

That was creepy when she showed up at the beach where Ryan and family were vacationing with Bentley. And she probably did it to scope out Dalis, Ryan's girlfriend at the time (if I recall, she actually invited Dalis-alone- to come out with her and her friends that were at the beach with her). In Maci's defense though, I think she just showed up to say hi to Bentley and then was planning on spending the rest of the day with her friends, and the pee thing happened when she was handing him back to Ryan. I don't think she was like, going to sit in a chair and watch the family or anything.

 

I've not been impressed much with Ryan's parenting. He is a lot like Teen Mom 2 Jenelle- he wants to show up, play with his kid for a bit, then when he gets bored he wants to hand him back to someone else and go on about his business. I think he cares about Bentley and enjoys his company- but at his own convenience. I can see him saying down the road that he'd rather take on the role of the "fun uncle" than that of the dad.

 

I remember that episode.  Maci and her posse of friends strutting down the beach with their shades on, I almost sprung an eye socket rolling my eyes so hard at that. It was really obnoxious.  I was firmly Team Ryan when that went down.  It was Ryan's time, I don't care if Maci just "wanted to see him for a minute."  Sorry, he's on vacation with his dad.  You can see him when he comes back. Call him tonight if you miss him.  It was clearly just a ploy to scope out Dalis and make sure she knew MACI was Bentley's mother.  Crazy immature.

 

Re: Cate and Tyler.  Does anyone know what they DO?  Before Cate had the baby, did they work? Obviously they weren't in school.  So were they just sitting around all day every day, a la Amber? I mean, they didn't even have a kid to take care of, so what were they DOING? These kids sure do know how to turn into another statistic, don't they?

Edited April 3, 2015 by lezlers

[brandyelf]

Well, they "wrote" a book. So there's that, I guess.

[Persnickety1]

Not much changes with this motley crew, does it?

 

Horrible person that I am, I actually loved Farrah for a fleeting moment when she called out Caitlyn and Tyler on their fuck-and-awe "We're living our dreams!" moment.

 

Seriously?

 

As Farrah pointed out, dripping with sarcasm, what about those big plans to go get your degrees and show Carly how you did the right thing with your lives?

 

Oh, that's right.  You weren't sure which classes you actually needed to take to obtain those degrees so, rather than finding out, you back-burnered the entire idea.  As any rational person serious about their education and future would do.

 

And Tyler's Great Pronouncement that he would now go to school and get his degree?

 

Buddy, you've been laying on your ass for, what, 4 years now, with apparently nothing better to do than obsessively participate in social networking and do an occasional public speaking engagement for Dawn?

 

Yeah, let us know how that shit works out for you.

 

Aside from being of legal age (and having MTV money), these 2 are in no better emotional place now to raise a child than they were back when they had Carly.  

 

Ryan, grab a dictionary and look up the word "insolent."

 

There may even be a picture of you next to the word, since you're the epitome of insolence.

 

And since Bentley is going into school, is Maci ever going to finish up getting her degree?

 

Oh, that's right, she's pregnant again and, in the time since she's given birth to Bentley, she just hasn't had time to focus on school...even though she has ample help with Bentley courtesy of the grandparents and time to herself she could have used to study while he was in daycare.  Silly me.

 

Here again, that MTV gravy train isn't going to last forever.

 

Hopefully I'm absolutely incorrect in this prediction, but I can almost predict a relapse in the not-too-distant future for Amber.  

 

It doesn't look like she's learned many (if any) coping skills and Gary stills knows which of her buttons to push for maximal effect.

 

I agree that, unless she does and it's not being shown on the program, Amber needs to find something constructive to do with her time.  Hell, if she doesn't want to work, take up a craft of some sort, anything to keep her mind occupied and not dwelling on the whole Gary situation 24/7.

 

It's like nothing has changed in her life.  She gets pissed off at Gary (or the world in general), grabs her security blanket, and goes prostrate on the couch rather than actually learning productive ways to deal with life's little (and big) bumps.

 

I don't think these behaviors bode well for her sobriety.

 

Ye gads, these morons....What are most of them going to do when this MTV easy money dries up?

 

I roll my eyes so hard just thinking about how many seasons this show has had and how much money all of them have apparently just blown through.

Edited April 4, 2015 by Persnickety1

[lezlers]

Now now, everyone knows the BEST time to go to college is when you have a newborn.  As for Amber: I've worked in a number of treatment courts.  The one thing EVERY treatment professional says is the best way to keep an addict clean is lots of support and keeping busy.  In drug court, they strive to fill up as many hours in the clients' days as humanly possible with the belief that if they're busy, they're not using or thinking about using.  It's completely logical.

 

Amber is just WAITING to relapse. 

Edited April 3, 2015 by lezlers

[GreatKazu]

What was it that Cate and Tyler were going to study? They said it incorrectly, and I remember all of us having fun snarking on how they referred to it. Was it social working?

 

 

And since Bentley is going into school, is Maci ever going to finish up getting her degree?

 

Oh, that's right, she's pregnant again and, in the time since she's given birth to Bentley, she just hasn't had time to focus on school...even though she has ample help with Bentley courtesy of the grandparents and time to herself she could have used to study while he was in daycare.  Silly me.

You just know she will have plenty of excuses for not being able to get her degree. Now, she will have a new baby daddy to piss off, whine about, bitch to, and complain about how he doesn't do exactly what she expects.

 

Dr. Drew called it a few times, the statistics speak for themselves. When a teen girl becomes pregnant, chances are she will become pregnant again in a few years AND she will not have completed high school or college. Maci and Catelynn proved him right.

 

Speaking of Maci and her boyfriend. I always cringe at these girls who are so quick to get these guys to commit to them by living under the same roof. Whatever happened to dating? And seriously, with all of these predators hooking up with single mothers, doesn't Maci ever pause to think who she is bringing around Bentley?

[Maharincess]

I had 2 kids by age 20, finished school and although I didn't go to college,it just wasn't for me and I don't think there's anything wrong with that. I did go to school while my kids were in school and became a certified dog groomer and trainer. We weren't rich but we did just fine. I was widowed at 22 so it was just us.

I just wanted to show that not all of us teen moms are statistics. My daughter was also well into her 20s and in a long term stable relationship before she had her first baby. Thankfully she didn't take after me. My son turns 30 this year and he still has no kids.

A lot of these kids will probably become teen parents themselves unless they work hard to break the cycle.

Edited April 4, 2015 by Maharincess

[GreatKazu]

 

although I didn't go to college,it just wasn't for me and I don't think there's anything wrong with that

It is that way for a lot of people. Not everyone wants to attend college. That is great. What grits my teeth is this constant "I am gonna get my degree, but..." by Maci. If she came straight out and said she didn't want to attend college, didn't 'want a career, didn't care to get a degree, so be it. But stop with the bullshit about getting that degree. I have long wondered if Maci really wants a career. It seems she has put more work into finding a sucker - I mean, a guy to be the breadwinner and to support her.

[Darknight]

What was it that Cate and Tyler were going to study? They said it incorrectly, and I remember all of us having fun snarking on how they referred to it. Was it social working?

You just know she will have plenty of excuses for not being able to get her degree. Now, she will have a new baby daddy to piss off, whine about, bitch to, and complain about how he doesn't do exactly what she expects.

Dr. Drew called it a few times, the statistics speak for themselves. When a teen girl becomes pregnant, chances are she will become pregnant again in a few years AND she will not have completed high school or college. Maci and Catelynn proved him right.

Speaking of Maci and her boyfriend. I always cringe at these girls who are so quick to get these guys to commit to them by living under the same roof. Whatever happened to dating? And seriously, with all of these predators hooking up with single mothers, doesn't Maci ever pause to think who she is bringing around Bentley?

Exactly. I hate when women or men bring anyone and everyone wound their children. Get to know them first. Have a long term relationship. Don't just jump in move him in and allow him/her to play daddy or mommy. These days people are crazy and dangerous.

I remember that episode. Maci and her posse of friends strutting down the beach with their shades on, I almost sprung an eye socket rolling my eyes so hard at that. It was really obnoxious. I was firmly Team Ryan when that went down. It was Ryan's time, I don't care if Maci just "wanted to see him for a minute." Sorry, he's on vacation with his dad. You can see him when he comes back. Call him tonight if you miss him. It was clearly just a ploy to scope out Dalis and make sure she knew MACI was Bentley's mother. Crazy immature.

Re: Cate and Tyler. Does anyone know what they DO? Before Cate had the baby, did they work? Obviously they weren't in school. So were they just sitting around all day every day, a la Amber? I mean, they didn't even have a kid to take care of, so what were they DOING? These kids sure do know how to turn into another statistic, don't they?

They're both reality tv stars.

If Ryan hates Maci, then he should've wrapped it up before sticking it in. If he did that then he would've never seen Maci again in his life and could move on. But 1+1=3 3 minutes of pleasure was more important to him. Now he's stuck with her for life. At least Bently does have people who live him. His grandparents adore him. Ryan nerds to get his shit together.

Edited April 4, 2015 by Darknight

[jacksgirl]

First day of public school kindergarten for me, the teacher. Parents arrive 15 minutes early. Grandparents, aunts, uncles are often there. Everyone wants a posed picture of me and their child and many video their child walking around the room. Moms tear up, principal comes and shoos them all off to the library for "Coffee and Cry", where we get them to all sign up for PTA and other school things. Several try to sneak back to see if their child is ok. Not all dads are there, but many are. I give Ryan a pass on this, he does work out of town. I do think Ryan is so over the show. Amber chose to be a whiner and not walk in with Leah, that one is on her. Kristina seems so normal, what the hell is the attraction between she and Gary. Her grammar is atrocious. Seems nice, but Leah's IQ tops everyone else's on the show I'd guess.

Edited April 4, 2015 by jacksgirl

[qtpye]

For now. I wonder how this is doing in ratings? It's pretty boring. I was expecting more. Maybe I'm a little greedy because TM2 is hilariously out there at times and compared to the TM2 girls, Farrah, Maci, Catelynn, and Amber are boring now.

 

 

I remember when Mtv first announced the girls are coming back, they made a special point not to ask Farrah.  They were very much on their high horse about how they did not like her choices.   However, I think the network changed their minds fast, when they realized how boring the other three girls were.  I mean how many times can we watch Maci complain about Ryan, Amber mope about Gary, and Cate/Tyler check their twitter?

 

Farrah's delusion is usually pretty entertaining and sad,   I do feel sorry for her daughter.

 

I think what attracted us to the original Teen Mom was the possibilities.   Yes, all these girls got pregnant much too young, but it felt like with the t.v. show, they could make the best of the situation and lead productive lives.  This was particularly true of Cate and Tyler who could use the opportunity as a rare chance to escape cycles of addiction and poverty.

 

Now, it seem that nothing will be accomplished in these people's lives as long as they have the title of "Reality Show Celebrity to fall back on".

 

I think it is time for Mtv to close the chapter on Teen Mom OG forever, with maybe occasional updates here and there.

Edited April 4, 2015 by qtpye

[fliptopbox]

Frankly they could stop here nd I'd be fine with that. I don't like the idea of updates on these girls over the years, especially once they're older than 25. Just let it go, MTV....let us have TM2 and leave these OG girls alone. They weren't that interesting in the beginning, and I doubt any of them will be going forward. It's just lots of bitching and excuses. No one needs to see that.

[ethalfrida]

What does the OG mean?

[fliptopbox]

What does the OG mean?

 

Original Girls

[DoctorWhovian]

As terrible and non-changing these girls have been, this show is infinitely more interesting when they acknowledge that they're filming and I would love to see other reality shows follow in their footsteps. 

[wrestlesflamingos]

Obnoxiously Grating

[Snarky McSnarky]

Original Girls

Yep, it is a play on the hip-hop shorthand for Original Gangsters, meaning older gang members.

[ohthatkat]

Yes and it looks like BrandonTeresa deliver that smackdown w a smile. I just LOVE NiceNasty with a smile.

In my neck of the woods we call it nasty nice ;-)

[NikSac]

jacksgirl haha "coffee and cry" - good idea! Sounds about right.

[ktwo]

qtpye

Love your list above and completely see your point, but to add to

Things that are different

Amber has actually gotten her GED

Farrah has a ton of plastic surgery and a career in porn

April seems to be a LOT better.

[Darknight]

The thing is though that the title of the show, Teen Mom is kind of moot now. Aren't all the girls now in their 20s and up? Its just kind of funny because they do still end up acting like teen moms and I feel like this pseudo celebrity status has stunted them from maturing.

The show just needs to end. Do an update in 10 years.