S05.E11: Check-Up With Dr. Drew, Part 1

[GreatKazu]

 

For Dr. Drew to tell Gary that he should give into Amber's wants for more custody instead of court seems dumb.

Yes. This is why I cannot stand DD, although he did make some great points last night.  Just because Amber has talked to an attorney and is thinking about going to court, doesn't mean that Gary should just give in. Lots of parents file for custody, doesn't mean they get custody. Those are words, but the judge will decide and with what MTV has on film about Amber, the recent domestic violence in Vegas, and the sex-escapades at the theme motel with child in tow who slept in that same bed with a strange man, Gary has proof that Amber is not making good choices.

 

Dr. Phil (like him or not) would have taken Amber to task about her not being in a post-rehab program. He would have also told her that she needs to do more to show that she is a stable parent. It is not enough to not ingest drugs. He would have also told her about the dangers of bringing a partner into your life around your young child while touting the statistics of some kind of sexual abuse that is likely to occur. I have heard him say all of this to various guests over the years on his show. Don't judge. My spouse loves to watch his show and he DVRs it. I end up getting into the shows with him because he calls to me, "Come here and check this out."

Amber is heading for relapse in every possible way.  She is not in a program, she is breaking every rule and in the end I don't agree with Dr. Phil, I don't know that she will easily get joint custody at all. 

I wish it was Dr. Phil. Sadly, it was Dr. Drew.

Edited June 2, 2015 by GreatKazu

[GreatKazu]

 

The other issue is how far apart in age do you want your children

I will admit I didn't watch all of Maci's segment, but did she say this or is this your personal feeling? If Maci did say this, I would say she was then planning a pregnancy. She can't have it both ways. She cannot say it was an unplanned pregnancy and then claim she wants her kids close together.

 

I grew up with huge age gaps among my siblings. Nothing wrong with it. I seriously don't get this whole "squeezing out babies as close as possible" theory. I surely didn't want to have to deal with two young kids wearing diapers.

[ginger90]

Any custody/visitation arrangements regarding Leah should be documented and signed by a judge, imo. There's too much room for crap the way they are doing it now. 

[Mischievious]

It came off to me as if Dr. Drew was trying to bully Gary into giving Amber split custody right there on the spot. It didn't sit well with me.

Ryan was the highlight of the show. I found him quite funny although I'm sure those weren't his intentions. One thing he said stuck out to me regarding Maci pulling Bentley with Farrah coming back. He said he signed a contract and so he knew he'd keep filming. Props to him for understanding the basis of signing a contract. I'm not sure all these kids do.

Also, I liked Farrah's dress last night. *hangs head*

[poeticlicensed]

I thought Maci's explanation last night made way more sense.   she has PCOS and she doesn't ovulate regularly.  This has been a problem for several of my friends with PCOS.  Her doctor told it "might be an issue" for her to get pregnant so given that she and Taylor thinking they might want to have kids stopped prevention.

 

If she was trying to get pg, then she needs to just admit it, which she almost did at the reunion. She has been dancing around it all season. First the doctor told her she couldn't get pregnant (Maci's words) to now the doctor told her that she might have problems getting pregnant so she, Maci,  decided that BC was not necessary. I don't know any doctor who would tell a patient that wanted to not be pregnant, even if the chances of conceiving were slim to not use protection. Total BS. Maci needs to get her story straight. 

[Tatum]

I will admit I didn't watch all of Maci's segment, but did she say this or is this your personal feeling? If Maci did say this, I would say she was then planning a pregnancy. She can't have it both ways. She cannot say it was an unplanned pregnancy and then claim she wants her kids close together.

 

I grew up with huge age gaps among my siblings. Nothing wrong with it. I seriously don't get this whole "squeezing out babies as close as possible" theory. I surely didn't want to have to deal with two young kids wearing diapers.

 

Right. It's Maci's body and her business, but she spent most of the season referring to this pregnancy as her "miracle baby" and suggesting that she thought she was infertile so birth control was unnecessary. PCOS and irregular ovulation do not mean you cannot get pregnant without intervention and I refuse to believe any doctor told her otherwise.

 

If Maci wants to get pregnant with a guy that she's merely dating (as opposed to married or engaged) without finishing school or having a steady job, that's her business. I don't think it's smart, but it's her life and her money. But then she needs to just say that. Say, it's my business, I have the financial means to support another baby, I'm willing to do the work of raising her, I'm not asking anyone else to fund my lifestyle, so no one needs to be concerned about my situation.

 

Instead, she spent all season spinning these bullshit stories about how she quit taking birth control, not because she was trying to get pregnant, but because she honestly believed birth control was just unnecessarily adding hormones to her body and pregnancy wasn't an option for her anyways, She did that because she just can't stand for people to call her irresponsible, even though she totally was (by most people's standards).

 

And as far as needing to get pregnant in order to give Bentley a playmate- I think that ship sailed in like, 2011. 3-7 year old boys aren't notorious for wanting to play with infants. I think once kids are 3-4 years apart, it's unlikely they'll play together much. Just too much of an age gap.

[GreatKazu]

Spot on Tatum.

 

These girls love to spin their stories to fit what it is they are trying to shove down the viewers' throats. These girls need to just be fucking honest.

 

It is Maci's life and she can do whatever the hell she wants with it. I sure don't have to deal with her and it doesn't affect me. But as you commented, she has spun a web of lies and has said one thing and then another. She is no different than Farrah lying about the "sex tape". One lie is no different than the other. They are both lying. Maci using this whole PCOS or being infertile crap, is just her trying to keep this image that she has built up inside of her brain.

 

I thought the news about Kristina stepping out on her husband with Gary was old news? Is it because we get inside stories here on this page and the audience members don't follow the online gossip?

Edited June 2, 2015 by GreatKazu

[truelovekiss]

So here was Amber's segment in a nut shell.

Drew: So if it looks like a ducks, quacks like a duck, then it's a duck. Do you agree, Amber?

Amber: BUT WE'RE HAPPY!!!

Bubba: I think it's a duck.

Drew: Bubba, have you told them that?

Bubba: Not yet. (Turns to Matt) You're a duck.

Amber: But WE'RE HAPPY!!!

Drew: Matt, what would your sober coach say right now.

Matt: That I'm a duck.

Drew: Yes, that's why it's so concerning.

Amber: BUT WE'RE HAPPY!!!!!! (storms off stage)

As grandma Sandy Kay would say, that's the whole nutshell in a bomb.

[truelovekiss]

It came off to me as if Dr. Drew was trying to bully Gary into giving Amber split custody right there on the spot. It didn't sit well with me.

Ryan was the highlight of the show. I found him quite funny although I'm sure those weren't his intentions. One thing he said stuck out to me regarding Maci pulling Bentley with Farrah coming back. He said he signed a contract and so he knew he'd keep filming. Props to him for understanding the basis of signing a contract. I'm not sure all these kids do.

Also, I liked Farrah's dress last night. *hangs head*

Dr. Douche has a history of bullying his "guests" on these check ups. Just a couple of examples:

When Corey and Leah were first getting divorced, he tried to shame Corey into forgiving Leah, and staying with her. Corey said in the most respectful and dignified way possible, that he couldn't stay with her. She cheated on him multiple times. He drew a line and she crossed it. But Drew adored Leah, she's always been one of his favorites. I can't wait to see how he reacts to deercamgate.

When DJ cheated on Summer, (16 and pregnant, S5) he made it so uncomfortable, and basically forced him to apologize, (when he clearly wasn't sorry) and made Summer out to be the bad guy, until she accepted. The poor girl looked so embarrassed and uncomfortable.

When talking to Chelsea about what a shitty father Adumb is, he said that she should be grateful that he's around at all, and therefore should give him more unsupervised time with Aubree. This was right after we saw Aubree got hurt riding something (dirt bike? Atv? Not sure) with him, while his license was suspended (it was definitely something that required a license) and she had no helmet.

[GreatKazu]

Any custody/visitation arrangements regarding Leah should be documented and signed by a judge, imo. There's too much room for crap the way they are doing it now. 

There is a court ordered arrangement in effect - Gary has sole custody of Leah. Amber signed off on that before going to prison and it has stayed that way ever since.

 

Gary doesn't have to let Amber see Leah or have Leah spend any time with Amber. He has a right to be fearful and his feelings of distrust are warranted. That is all Amber's doing.

 

Amber has money to want to fight to get custody of Leah, but that will sure not look good in the judge's eyes when he/she sees that she hasn't paid any child support either. Go ahead Amber, hire an attorney and pay attorney's fees while you don't pay child support.

 

If anything, Gary should take her ass to court for that matter.

 

As for Amber's brother, WTH is it with his eyes? They always seem red whenever he is on the show. They looked the same way when he was on the reunion last night.

Edited June 2, 2015 by GreatKazu

[Lemons]

I was wondering why they didn't film a scene with Maci, Ryan and his parents about his admission that he doesn't always put Bentley in a car seat. That definitely should have happened, especially if it's MTV's desire to educate young people. IF that's what they are saying that's the purpose of this show.

 

I think Dr Drew tried to get Maci to bring that up when he asked Maci something like - "is there any other issues you would like to discuss with Ryan? hint. hint." 

[Tatum]

 

Go ahead Amber, hire an attorney and pay attorney's fees while you don't pay child support.

 

You just know Amber justifies stiffing Gary on CS by rationalizing any money she gave to him would just go straight to Buffalo Wild Wings and Dominos anyways. I'm sure she doesn't feel like she's doing anything wrong, and hey, she bought Leah an ice cream cone two weeks ago anyways.

[truelovekiss]

.

As much as I don't like Gary and think he is gross, his fears about letting Amber in to Leah's life more are legitimate.

I agree. Amber's a shitty mom. That doesn't make Gary a wonderful dad, but he is miles better than her. Just by virtue of the fact that he wasn't high out of his mind or absent altogether throughout the last 6 years makes him the clear winner in my eyes. He's far from a perfect father. Hell, sometimes I don't think he's even a good father when he does things like ask Leah if she would rather stay with him, or say he wishes Amber wasn't around in front of Leah. But he's still better than Amber. I also realize much of the real work raising Leah was done by his mom and Kristina. But we've seen him make doctors appointments, pack lunches and do her hair. At least his partner seems less creepy than Amber's. If I had to give Gary a grade on being a dad, it would be a C. Totally satisfactory, and completes the requirements but not honor roll worthy. Amber gets an F from me. Sorry.

You just know Amber justifies stiffing Gary on CS by rationalizing any money she gave to him would just go straight to Buffalo Wild Wings and Dominos anyways. I'm sure she doesn't feel like she's doing anything wrong, and hey, she bought Leah an ice cream cone two weeks ago anyways.

She also comes across to me as someone who thinks she deserves custody, and shouldn't have to pay child support solely because she is the mom. How often have we heard girls on this show whine, "but I'm the mooooom?" If the roles were reversed, and Gary was a recovering addict, recently out of prison and he didn't pay child support, he would be the world's biggest deadbeat. But since it's Ambie, it's fine, because she's the mom.

[Tatum]

I agree. Amber's a shitty mom. That doesn't make Gary a wonderful dad, but he is miles better than her. Just by virtue of the fact that he wasn't high out of his mind or absent altogether throughout the last 6 years makes him the clear winner in my eyes. He's far from a perfect father. Hell, sometimes I don't think he's even a good father when he does things like ask Leah if she would rather stay with him, or say he wishes Amber wasn't around in front of Leah. But he's still better than Amber.

 

Amen. Amber's only redeeming quality as far as motherhood goes is she seems to enjoy her child's company (when it's convenient for her). But it takes a lot more than liking your kid on a good day to be a good mom. Absolutely agree, Amber is a shitty mom.

[GreatKazu]

Off-topic - is the format of this forum kinda screwy to anyone else? I know they changed it.  The posts are so far off to the left. Waaay to the left and makes it seem weird.

[LotusFlower]

Well said poeticlicensed. Allow me to throw in her hypocritical attitude. I don't know about anyone else, but people who are hypocrites really make me grind my teeth. She has no problem with the drug-addict and the domestic violence that was going on this show while her child was in the previous scene. What makes her look real stupid, is the fact that her claim that her child would be shown playing baseball in one scene and the next scene would be Farrah at a strip club. Guess what? There were no such scenes of either!

But not inviting Farrah back was MTV's decision, not Maci's. Maci just went along with it, and obviously was the most angry when they decided to change course. Ironically, it was man-of-few-words Ryan who touched on the truth when he said he questioned MTV's decision to rehire Farrah and her body part molds when they pretend to be a show promoting sex responsibility. Exactly. And I can't believe I'm saying that about Ryan!

[truelovekiss]

This! He also tried to "slut shame" Chelsea on the last reunion. One, that she was dating people and wasn't having them on tv and two, that she may or may not have hooked up with Adam. Chelsea had said that they just hooked up but it meant nothing and Dr. Panda was just trying to make her feel like crap. And for some reason, he ALWAYS always tries to make Corey look stupid and Leah look awesome, which I never get. But those are the TM2 girls.

My favorite favorite memory from a reunion with Dr. Panda for the season one girls is when after TM1, at the reunion, Ryan and Maci were broken up and Dr. Panda flat out said to them, "I think you two should be together, for Bentley's sake" And I remember watching that moment and being all "WTF is he talking about? It would be better for Bentley to see his parents who clearly dislike each other fight all the time?"

The reunions are always more fun to snark on what nonsense Dr. Panda will say.

It's always super obvious who his favorites are. He seems to really hate Chelsea, for some reason. He adores Leah. He seems to cater to Kail, probably because he's afraid for Javi's life if the reunion doesn't go well. He even seems like Jenelle, and always feeds into her when she says she's going to get Jace back. He has been nicer to Barb lately, but I think that's because he knows she's a fan favorite. He also seems to really dislike Corey, but is always on Team Adam. Jo literally gives zero fucks, so I don't remember how Dr. Douche feels about him.

I still think Dr. Drew is pulling for Ryan and Maci like a Team Jacob fangirl. He laid into Amber more than I expected. Definitely not as much as he should have, but the fact that he brought up that she broke some NA rules was kind of revolutionary for him.

[GreatKazu]

But not inviting Farrah back was MTV's decision, not Maci's. Maci just went along with it, and obviously was the most angry when they decided to change course. Ironically, it was man-of-few-words Ryan who touched on the truth when he said he questioned MTV's decision to rehire Farrah and her body part molds when they pretend to be a show promoting sex responsibility. Exactly. And I can't believe I'm saying that about Ryan!

Ryan can go jump in a lake. Although what he said is on point, he should be concerned with what he is promoting. He is promoting slut-shaming of females. He should also be concerned with NOT promoting the safety of putting one's child in a booster seat. He is not concerned about the message he is sending out, but dares to sit there and speak on MTV? When his hands are clean, then he can say what he wants.

 

Maci going along with MTV's plan to not rehire Farrah doesn't obligate her to have to sit there and point out Farrah's lifestyle or career choices and use Bentley as a reason. She could have reminded the camera crew as to what MTV said without adding in all of her own personal feelings.

[LotusFlower]

Ryan can go jump in a lake. Although what he said is on point, he should be concerned with what he is promoting. He is promoting slut-shaming of females. He should also be concerned with NOT promoting the safety of putting one's child in a booster seat. He is not concerned about the message he is sending out, but dares to sit there and speak on MTV? When his hands are clean, then he can say what he wants.

 

Maci going along with MTV's plan to not rehire Farrah doesn't obligate her to have to sit there and point out Farrah's lifestyle or career choices and use Bentley as a reason. She could have reminded the camera crew as to what MTV said without adding in all of her own personal feelings.

I'm not defending Ryan as a person, but rather what he said, and to use your words, what he said was "on point." MTV made the decision to initially not bring Farrah back, and even with the broken 4th wall, NO ONE acknowledged this throughout the whole season, the after shows, or the reunion, and they made Maci the scapegoat for their decision because of her strong reaction to the mid-season reversal. I'm simply amazed that it was dim-bulb Ryan who spoke some truth, while Dr. Drew and the producers sat cowardly hiding the real story. And I don't agree at all that a person has to be totally "clean" in all areas of life before they're allowed to be critical of others. Clean by whose definition? And aren't we all flawed? And don't we all judge and criticize?

[Samwil]

I don't believe for one minute that Amber wants joint custody.  If she had, she'd have been to the courts already.  

 

It's just another way to make herself the victim, again.  She knows no court is going to allow her joint custody.  The way it is now, she can say that Gary is keeping her from Leah.

[GreatKazu]

I'm not defending Ryan as a person, but rather what he said, and to use your words, what he said was "on point." MTV made the decision to initially not bring Farrah back, and even with the broken 4th wall, NO ONE acknowledged this throughout the whole season, the after shows, or the reunion, and they made Maci the scapegoat for their decision because of her strong reaction to the mid-season reversal. I'm simply amazed that it was dim-bulb Ryan who spoke some truth, while Dr. Drew and the producers sat cowardly hiding the real story. And I don't agree at all that a person has to be totally "clean" in all areas of life before they're allowed to be critical of others. Clean by whose definition? And aren't we all flawed? And don't we all judge and criticize?

 

By clean hands I am referring to the booster seat issue and how Ryan is so concerned suddenly about the message MTV is sending out about premarital sex, safe sex, and all that goes with it, as it concerns Farrah. But he and Maci had no qualms season after season about participating in a show with other people, including themselves, as it showed them in relationships that were obviously sexual in nature with various people. He had no issue whatsoever with being on a show where other people were involved in unhealthy relationships. I thought the show was about teen mothers and how the realities of having a baby can affect your life, to be honest. Well, it is a reality that some young mothers (and adult mothers too) will make choices to earn money in various ways, porn included.

 

Maci shows that all her talk about safe sex, using protection, and hold off on having babies and get your education first, is for other people, not her.

Edited June 2, 2015 by GreatKazu

[truelovekiss]

Any custody/visitation arrangements regarding Leah should be documented and signed by a judge, imo. There's too much room for crap the way they are doing it now.

I have absolutely zero experience with custody and child support things, but I never understood why these people seem so hesitant to go through it the legal way, instead of trying to figure it out themselves. It protects everyone's interests. I can understand that they might feel like taking their ex to court would drive an even bigger wedge between them, but I think it solves more problems than it creates. Everything is documented and recorded, and it cuts out a lot of that he said she said crap. Plus, it gives the kids more stability to know that there are set times with both parents, instead of just getting to see mom/dad when the custodial parent hates them less.

[Brooklynista]

I don't believe for one minute that Amber wants joint custody.  If she had, she'd have been to the courts already.  

 

It's just another way to make herself the victim, again.  She knows no court is going to allow her joint custody.  The way it is now, she can say that Gary is keeping her from Leah.

 

 

 

 

Yes.  Amber is clearly reading from the same book of bullshit as Janelle.  Constantly hollering about wanting full custody but focusing all of their efforts not at the courthouse, but on Twitter picking up skeevy boyfriends.

Edited June 2, 2015 by Brooklynista

[truelovekiss]

I don't believe for one minute that Amber wants joint custody. If she had, she'd have been to the courts already.

It's just another way to make herself the victim, again. She knows no court is going to allow her joint custody. The way it is now, she can say that Gary is keeping her from Leah.

I really think a lot of Amber's identity is wrapped up in Gary, and being the martyr/victim. She seems to live for the drama, because it's all she has. She has no job, no shool and no friends, really. For some reason, I think Bubby lives a few hours away and Kousin Krystal is allegedly in it for the MTV free meals. She doesn't seems especially close to her mom. All she has is Matt telling her she's a supah stah, and Headdie feeding into her nonsense. All she has to entertain herself is drama, so she creates it where there really is none.

[GreatKazu]

 

I have absolutely zero experience with custody and child support things, but I never understood why these people seem so hesitant to go through it the legal way, instead of trying to figure it out themselves.

Because it means they have to shell out money. That is money they could be using to buy another car, get their hair and nails done, go on trips and vacations because they are so depressed, bored and dealing with anxiety.

[LotusFlower]

By clean hands I am referring to how Ryan is so concerned suddenly about the message MTV is sending out about premarital sex, safe sex, and all that goes with it, as it concerns Farrah. But he and Maci had no qualms season after season about participating in a show with other people, including themselves, as it showed them in relationships that were obviously sexual in nature with various people. He had no issue whatsoever with being on a show where other people were involved in unhealthy relationships. I thought the show was about teen mothers and how the realities of having a baby can affect your life, to be honest. Well, it is a reality that some young mothers (and adult mothers too) will make choices to earn money in various ways, porn included.

What's wrong with participating in a show that shows people in sexual relationships? The intent of the show is supposed to be about promoting safe sex, not no sex, and so I don't see how Ryan is a hypocrite in this respect. I think the larger issue is the messages of the show, which is promoting safe sex, but also, as you said, about showing the realities and hardships of having a baby so young. MTV clearly thought that a career in porn, which is harmful and degrading to women in so many ways, was not in line with their attempt at positive messages. Keep in mind that the show constantly pats itself on the back for the recent huge drop in teen pregnancies. Farrah's "I'm a porn star, and proud of it" story doesn't jive with their message, so they dropped her. But then brought her back b/c the show was evidently dull, or "missing something." They said at the time that they thought Farrah, like Amber, deserved a second chance. If they had followed through on this - showing how a young, unwed mother turns to porn for a fast buck, I agree it could have been interesting and informative. But of course we've seen nothing of the sort. Farrah is shown as rich and successful, and anyone that criticizes her career in porn is either jealous, a "hater, or "needs therapy." That's my problem with MTV's decision - their hypocrisy.

[Brooklynista]

But can we really poo poo Farrah's sexual escapades as not suitable for a show promoting safe responsible sex and at the same time give Maci attagirls when she's knocked up again because she admittedly wasn't using the safe sex precautions she promotes?  Where's the responsibility in that? 

 

If Ryan has beef with Farrah, then he has beef with Maci.

 

And no way Taylor was a part of any conversation with Maci about "let's try now for a baby since I have PCOS".  He might have been a part of a "We don't have to use condoms because I probably won't get pregnant" conversation.

[ginger90]

I have absolutely zero experience with custody and child support things, but I never understood why these people seem so hesitant to go through it the legal way, instead of trying to figure it out themselves. It protects everyone's interests. I can understand that they might feel like taking their ex to court would drive an even bigger wedge between them, but I think it solves more problems than it creates. Everything is documented and recorded, and it cuts out a lot of that he said she said crap. Plus, it gives the kids more stability to know that there are set times with both parents, instead of just getting to see mom/dad when the custodial parent hates them less.

Exactly!

[truelovekiss]

Sorry but I get why Ryan and Maci don't want Bentley on the same show as Farrah and removing him was really the best solution (along with not re-signing) to solve the issue. Too bad the other parents don't care more about their kids than the MTV money.

I agree. I wouldn't want my kid to be on a reality show anyway, but I especially understand why they don't want Bentley associated with her. I also understand why she was mad at MTV. Even if it wasn't all in writing when she signed, I'm sure she had a degree of trust in people she knew for 6 years, and if they promised her no Farrah, I'm sure she believed them. I would have respected her choice more if she quit the show altogether, but I wouldn't be surprised if she couldn't get out of her contract. I don't love Maci, and I think her and Rhine snarking on Farrah was immature and catty, but I can agree with that choice.

Like Dr. Drew said, many mothers have to resort to things like that to support their children, but Farrah's not one of them. Sorry, but there's a big difference from Farrah's tape, book and molds and Candy Willow shaking it at the local club. Farrah absolutely didn't have to do that. She did it because she wanted to. Dr. Drew was trying to paint her as a desperate young mother doing anything to support her child, when we all know that she's been given thousands of dollars just for being herself. Nice try, but you can't have your cake and eat it too.

[SPLAIN]

Coming here to quickly post my thoughts on a couple of things. Hopefully, I can come back later and post more.

 

I really hated Dr. Drew pointing out that statistic about TM being the reason, not one reason for the drop in teen pregnancy. First of all, he seems to be saying that for MTV's sake. I have never fell for that line of bullshit. Dr. Drew, of all people, should be talking about how abortion, the access to birth control, and other factors such as young girls being focused on education, careers, as well as having stability in their life along with good communication from their parents play a part in why the rate of teen pregnancies has dropped.

 

In fact, I have this to share:

http://starcasm.net/archives/257942

 

 

The show’s creator Lauren Dolgen, who we profiled here, has always defended her immensely popular programming pointing out that the MTV shows have had a massive influence in bringing the topic of teen pregnancy into the public discourse.

Dolgen stated in part:

    We believe that our audience is smart enough to view “Teen Mom” and “16 and Pregnant” as the shows were intended — as cautionary tales about the consequences of unprotected sex, and the reality of becoming a parent too early.

    In fact, research by the National Campaign found that among teens who watch “16 and Pregnant,” 82 percent believe the show helps teens better understand the challenges of teen pregnancy and parenthood and how to avoid it.

 

The response to this:

 

 

Two assistant professors, Nicole Martins from Indiana University and Robin Jensen from the University of Utah, have published a study that presents findings that indicate many viewers of the programs, “believe that teen mothers have an enviable quality of life, a high income and involved fathers.” Teens who perceived reality TV to be realistic were the ones most likely to have these perceptions.

Additional findings:

“The fact that teens in the study seemed to think that being a teen parent was easy might increase the likelihood that they’ll engage in unsafe sexual practices because that’s not a real consequence to them.”

“As you study reality television with younger populations, you’re going to find that younger children are going to have a harder time understanding that this is something that is scripted, edited and put together in a purposeful way to create a narrative and a drama. Indeed, there are some individuals who believe that this reality TV show is like real life. For them, they were the most likely ones to hold unrealistic perception about teen parenthood.”

 The rest of the article is pretty damn interesting and makes some good points.

 

 

Farrah's "I'm a porn star, and proud of it" story doesn't jive with their message

Farrah has never stated she is proud of her porn star tape. First of all, she has never admitted it is a porn tape.

 

Dr. Drew, an employee of MTV by hosting these reunions, stated himself that her choice to do what she is doing is in fact something that young mothers may find themselves doing to raise their children. When he speaks on this show, he speaks on behalf of MTV.  T hat is MTV's message as well, especially when they brought her back to the show. Suddenly their message is, yes, Farrah has done this and we don't want to look like we are shaming her.

 

 

What's wrong with participating in a show that shows people in sexual relationships? The intent of the show is supposed to be about promoting safe sex, not no sex, and so I don't see how Ryan is a hypocrite in this respect

I think, and I could be wrong, but I think what the poster is implying is, Ryan is on a show where these young folks have been engaging in unhealthy relationships way before Farrah ever entered the sex industry. He never questioned his child being on a show where these unhealthy relationships were being played out, including where drugs and domestic violence was a big part of at least one relationship. Even now, we are watching and hearing Gary mentioning how he was involved with a married woman. But that is okay because it doesn't involve porn and sex toys. I will now have that image in my head. 

 

I might be alone in my thinking here, but I see nothing wrong with porn or sex toys. They are meant for adults. What is unhealthy about porn and sex toys? People in healthy relationships will sometimes use sex toys and watch porn. I don't believe that Ryan has never watched porn or looked at sex magazines. He was also an adult while he was having sex with a minor.

 

 

Farrah absolutely didn't have to do that. She did it because she wanted to.

Correct.

Edited June 2, 2015 by SPLAIN

[Tatum]

But can we really poo poo Farrah's sexual escapades as not suitable for a show promoting safe responsible sex and at the same time give Maci attagirls when she's knocked up again because she admittedly wasn't using the safe sex precautions she promotes? Where's the responsibility in that?

If Ryan has beef with Farrah, then he has beef with Maci.

And no way Taylor was a part of any conversation with Maci about "let's try now for a baby since I have PCOS". He might have been a part of a "We don't have to use condoms because I probably won't get pregnant" conversation.

Exactly! If anything, isn't using sex toy molds kind of promoting safe sex? And I'm sure porn stars have more incentive to practice safe sex as their livelihood depends on it.

[MissMel]

I have absolutely zero experience with custody and child support things, but I never understood why these people seem so hesitant to go through it the legal way, instead of trying to figure it out themselves. It protects everyone's interests. I can understand that they might feel like taking their ex to court would drive an even bigger wedge between them, but I think it solves more problems than it creates. Everything is documented and recorded, and it cuts out a lot of that he said she said crap. Plus, it gives the kids more stability to know that there are set times with both parents, instead of just getting to see mom/dad when the custodial parent hates them less.

It really does make everything easier but that's hard to see if you've never been through it before. Often, it's really emotional and heads get fogged up. It feels really unnatural to give up control of your child/ren to a complete stranger. Worth it but weird.

[LotusFlower]

But can we really poo poo Farrah's sexual escapades as not suitable for a show promoting safe responsible sex and at the same time give Maci attagirls when she's knocked up again because she admittedly wasn't using the safe sex precautions she promotes? Where's the responsibility in that?

I totally agree with this. Again with MTV's hypocrisy. Dr. Drew was wrong when he allowed Maci to spin her story about not using protection and getting pregnant right after he patted the show on the back for being THE reason the teen pregnancy rate has fallen. I just hope Maci is no longer invited to speaking engagements on this subject after having her second baby due to not practicing safe sex.

Edited June 2, 2015 by LotusFlower

[Cosmocrush]

 

Macy is human Lunesta (not even the cool sleep-eating Ambien stuff) and I almost forgot she was the first segment. I remember hearing something about how she got pregnant because of having PCOS, but never really paid any attention. Why does she keep talking about it? She only sounds more and more like a desperate, man-trapping do-nothing. Without taking the time to poke 1000 holes in her condom of logic, women who conceive naturally early on without much practice (her story, not mine) are at the opposite end of the spectrum from those who are diagnosed with PCOS. Yes, it's a complicated syndrome and differs from person to person, but almost all atypical cases (young, thin, no clear endocrine issues) are diagnosed by infertility, and that's often the only symptom. Her explanation only makes sense if she had been trying to conceive for 2-10 years with no luck. What kind of hillbilly doctor does she have who's put her on birth control pills, but then warns her that at 22 years old, she's running out of time to conceive?  

 

I was actually surprised when Dr. Drew MD didn't challenge her on not using birth control because of PCOS.  I guess Macy wasn't paying attention when Taylor told Drew the pregancy was "obviously a surprise" since she told Dr. Drew it was something "they both wanted."  

 

 

Why do people actually act like Dr. Drew is any less of a quack than Dr. Phil? Ugh!

Not to defend Drew but he actually holds a medical degree as well as board certified, American Board of Addiction Medicine.  Dr. Phil? has a Ph.D. in psychology and a popular TV show.  So while they are both famewhores, I'm not sure Drew is a quack or at least not as big of one as Phil seems to me. 

 

My problem with Maci is that of all the TMs, she had the biggest chance to really do something fantastic. In her 16 &P and the beginning of the TM series, she recognized that getting pg at 16 was a problem, that Rhine wasn't going to step up and  make a family, she seemed to be focused on career and not letting her situation hold her back. She also had the advantage of supportive family on both sides. So FF 7 years and where is Maci? Still no college degree, no job, knocked up by another guy and don't forget, she pretty much begged Kye have a baby and get married at what 19? 20? She has also gone through eleventy cars, houses, etc. That screams that she is not planning for the long term. I don't hate Maci, I'm disappointed. I was hoping for more than an oops baby and new Jeep and new baby daddy and no career plans from her. Contrasted with the other OGs, she had all the advantages. I mean jeez, look at Kate an that household she grew up in, or Amber's dysfunctional background, or Farrah, Maci had a fighting chance. Now she's just another unemployed baby mama with number 2 on the way. 

I think Macy is pretty much where the statistics for teen mothers say she would be; unfinished college education (only 1% finish college by age 30), second child, etc.  Actually, none of these girls have really beaten the odds except the living in poverty part but if you take away the MTV money only Farrah has an outside income - which the MTV "fame" helped her launch.  Hopefully, the kids of these girls will fare better than the statistics say they will. 

Edited June 2, 2015 by Cosmocrush

[MaggieG]

It would have been an interesting reunion if Larry was there.<br />I'm really wondering what s hideous troll Kristina's husband must have been for her to cheat on him with Gary. Ugh. <br />Does anyone know if they're going to be doing the breaking fourth wall stuff with TM2?

[leighroda]

But can we really poo poo Farrah's sexual escapades as not suitable for a show promoting safe responsible sex and at the same time give Maci attagirls when she's knocked up again because she admittedly wasn't using the safe sex precautions she promotes? Where's the responsibility in that?

If Ryan has beef with Farrah, then he has beef with Maci.

And no way Taylor was a part of any conversation with Maci about "let's try now for a baby since I have PCOS". He might have been a part of a "We don't have to use condoms because I probably won't get pregnant" conversation.

Amen! I haven't watched the reunion out of risk I will have a stroke if Maci talks about how she "quit" over Farrah. It's hard to say because it may have been edited this way, but Maci was never missing from the show, like she wasn't even gone long enough for them to skip a segment of her.

I agree with the school of thought that it's not so much her actions that make my annoyed with her, it's that she doesn't own up to anything, if you want to be pregnant, be pregnant, if you want to go out (after making arrangements for your child) go out...but she can't tell the same story twice. As it pertains to the Farrah thing, if you are that outraged, than quit, but I don't buy the Bentley excuse, I thought she said she didn't want the parents in Bentley's class and his classmates to think his mom was the porn star... Now she doesn't want scenes with him to be shown with a strip club scene following up, if either of those where her point, than fine leave the show, but she wasn't even off the camera for an episode before bouncing in with her " you can film me".

[truelovekiss]

It would have been an interesting reunion if Larry was there.<br />I'm really wondering what s hideous troll Kristina's husband must have been for her to cheat on him with Gary. Ugh. <br />Does anyone know if they're going to be doing the breaking fourth wall stuff with TM2?

I think they are.

[Elizabeth9]

Matt: I'm going to call my sponsor. I was screaming BUT YOU'RE DRINKING the entire time in my head!!!

[cheatincheetos]

I don't like Dr. Drew's way of handling these girls. I know Dr. Phil is not well-liked, but he at least calls people out. I have always said bring in the big guns like Judge Judy or at least Iyanla Vanzant. Someone at MTV likes coddling these girls. Then again, of all the reunions shows I have ever watched over the years of various shows, the reunion host is almost always "nice". I hate that. If these people can bring out the nasty and mean side time and time again, then they should be able to handle being told they are fucked up.

 

Something will surely set off Amber because we see in the preview that she walks off the stage.

Someone in the audience was staring at her! OMG it's hard being famous, can't they leave her alone!

Best part of the episode?  The reaction of the black lady in the audience (and me at home) when we found out Kristina was married when she met Gary. 

It was an awesome expression, either some very good acting or she hasn't been following the teen mom sites where this unsavory morsel was old news a few months ago.

[cheatincheetos]

 But we've seen him make doctors appointments, pack lunches and do her hair. At least his partner seems less creepy than Amber's. If I had to give Gary a grade on being a dad, it would be a C. Totally satisfactory, and completes the requirements but not honor roll worthy.

*singing* "C is for cookie, and that's good enough for meeee..."

[MyPeopleAreNordic]

I wish Dr. Drew would have delved a little deeper into that "unplanned" planned pregnancy of Maci's and asked her if she's still doing speaking engagements to prevent unplanned pregnancy. When Dr. Drew said the show had cut down on teen pregnancy and unplanned pregnancy, I had to laugh at Maci's very pregnant, non-college degree having, unmarried butt sitting there clapping with the audience. It maybe wasn't the best idea for Tyler & Catelynn to have Nova, but at least they admit they were trying to get pregnant.

Dr. Drew basically asks Amber (& Matt) in a very nice, non-confrontational manner if they are doing what they should be doing based on where they are in recovery. They (especially Amber) have to fess up that they KNOW they are in the wrong. Amber doesn't like that she's been forced to own up to it and Dr. Drew won't let her talk her way out of it (for once). She storms off stage cause for once, Dr. Sad Panda was replaced by someone who actually went after her and Matt with some (relatively) hard questions. I wish he would have pressed harder and also made it clear that Amber is not getting custody/Gary has good reasons for wanting to keep it as it is. Amber's weird reaction actually made me feel a little sorry for Matt (as he was answering questions & seemed to be fine) when she ran off. He seemed less creepy compared to how crazy Amber flew off the handle like that when Dr. Drew wasn't even talking to her. I hate that she made me Matt look even a modicum more decent compared to her angry, crazy self.

Forget another season of TMOG. Can we just get a special detailing how the Kristina-Gary-Kristina's Husband drama went down? Maybe Bubby can narrate.

A few weeks ago my childhood BFF and I went to see New Kids on the Block, Nelly, & TLC in concert. Jonathan Knight (the shy, gay New Kid who suffers from anxiety/panic attacks and apparently doesn't really like to dance or be on stage) just DNGAF and owned how much he doesn't GAF. He totally phoned in much of the performance, did not do some of the moves (by the 10th pelvic thrust or so, he was done with the over-the-top sexual dance moves), etc. He was there to collect his check and wasn't trying to fool anyone. Ryan is totally the Jonathan Knight of the Teen Mom dads/significant others. I can respect that. Collect your checks, guys. (I should note that Jonathan Knight is allegedly very nice & sweet to fans who approach him for photos, etc., which I'm not sure Ryan is.)

I think Taylor knows what's up (re: the "joke" about the engagement ring purchase once his check comes in). I hope he is just calling it like it is in a "well, we want to get engaged but I know Maci's storyline is boring so I'm waiting for next season" versus he's a famewhore (a la Matt).

Edited June 3, 2015 by MyPeopleAreNordic

[Chris Knight]

Gary looks like he can barely breathe, for crying out loud.

[CookieChica]

I totally respect Ryan's phoning it in on this show. He signs a contract and does the bare minimum to collect that check.

[Snarky McSnarky]

I call bullshit on Dr. Drew claiming the MTV shows are responsible for a 30% reduction in teen pregnancies since 2009 or whatever.  I'm sure the show has contributed to the cause, but it is only one of many resources directed at teens in recent years.  There's a whole lot more awareness these days, thanks in part to social media.   From just one article on the subject, for instance:

 

"Teen pregnancy rates have been falling since 1990, and over the years there have been several reasons. The economy pushed down pregnancy rates in general.  There is increased access to more varieties of contraception. A study in Colorado, for example, found offering free contraception to teens made a big difference.  And other studies found benefits when parents share their feelings and morals on sex with their children."

 

http://touch.baltimoresun.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-82900700

[MyPeopleAreNordic]

I was doing housework and laundry while I was watching the show - did Dr. Drew call Amber out for missed child support payments & I missed it?

'Cause y'all know any guy who is behind on child support would have seen it brought up by Dr. Drew on the reunion show. What's good for the gander and all.....

Edited June 3, 2015 by MyPeopleAreNordic

[Cosmocrush]

As much as I don't like Gary and think he is gross, his fears about letting Amber in to Leah's life more are legitimate. 

I don't disagree at all but I think part of it is he really likes having control over Amber and pushing her buttons as a side benefit.

 

Does anyone think that at least part of Gary's motivation to keep full  custody of Leah has to be the child support?  I know he said she was a couple months behind but I think that order has probably been in place for a while.  Gary gets a smaller-than-Amber's MTV check and no one is asking him to write put his name on a book or photo on a tabloid rag.  He is about to have two kids and no job.  I don't think he's even worked since the 16&Pregnant episode has he?  I don't follow this gang on social media or the tabs so I really am wondering.    Maybe that's part of Amber's motivation too - after all now she is supporting that creepster Matt and herself.  

 

Maybe Christina has a good job?  I hope so.  Good grief, I am still amazed that this pleasant (on the show anyway) woman left her marriage for the original Beldman Lineman.  That would have to be some kind of effed up situation to make life with Gary sound remotely appealing; he isn't even nice to her on camera.   In my mind I'm thinking she fell in love with Little Leah Leann, whose mother was a couch/bed bound addict, and that's why she stayed. Or maybe she was just letting her freak flag fly and got caught by her husband.   But even then I can't imagine WHY she would have a baby with Gary.  It makes absolutely no sense to me whatsoever.   I thought Drew's head was going to explode when Gary told him that Christina was married when they started a relationship that led to her divorce.  

[Cosmocrush]

Amber isn't "a few months behind" she paid 3 times last year and no mention of anything this year.  She's a deadbeat mom and lucky Gary hasn't bounced her back to jail.

Thanks ispansy, I was just going by what I saw on the show. 

[NikSac]

Re: the timing, at the time they taped the reunion Maci said she had 11 weeks to go and the baby was just born last week, so it must have been taped awhile ago. Of course the 11 weeks could've been untrue, but it sounded about right from looking at Maci.  There's also Matt, who said in some of the last episodes of the season that he was interviewing and "planning" to be working soon.  Then in the reunion show he was also "planning" to be working. Maybe he's just not having much luck finding a job, but I got the feeling these were taped really close together.

 

Speaking of Maci, I think she's completely full of crap on her reason for getting pregnant, only because her story has changed so many times. I do think she finally landed on one that makes the most sense though, so hopefully she'll stick with the latest version. It's unfortunate it seems she lied to Taylor about it, as I'm with those who think he got the "oh I probably can't get pregnant" spiel, not the "should we start trying now in case I can't get pregnant again?" discussion. I wonder if he's figured it out yet?

 

Gary disgusted me even more on this episode than usual. I'm not even sure why. I got this even more smug, self-satisfied vibe than I have in the past. Not only do I have a girlfriend, she left her husband for me, AND I've got this one over here (Amber) who still wants me.  Barf.

 

I am not a big Matt fan but I liked him a tiny bit better after this reunion show. At least he seems to be pretty open and honest, even about the stuff he's doing wrong. I still liked Amber's brother the best out of all of them.

 

Why does Dr. Drew seem to always tell these girls (paraphrasing): of course you'll get custody if you go to court, you're the Mom.  Uhhh I hope not. The court is supposed to do what's best for the kid. I also really don't get why Dr. Drew was encouraging them to work it out amongst themselves instead of going to court. Going to court doesn't have to be a "fight" - work it out amongst yourselves and then get it legalized by the courts, at least!  I agree with those who've said it's less stressful on everyone in the long run.

 

I imagine next week's will be almost as boring, but I'm still sort of looking forward to it.

[meisje]

I totally agree with this. Again with MTV's hypocrisy. Dr. Drew was wrong when he allowed Maci to spin her story about not using protection and getting pregnant right after he patted the show on the back for being THE reason the teen pregnancy rate has fallen. I just hope Maci is no longer invited to speaking engagements on this subject after having her second baby due to not practicing safe sex.

 

At this point, the most controversial subject of the season for me is the blatant con Maci has been cooking up. I so rarely give her any thought, but I really have a problem with her wearing zipped up jackets to paid speaking engagements at schools to hide her planned "unplanned" new fetus. If Farrah could only focus less on filling her body with literally every kind of FDA-approved filler and get her noodle spinning, she'd realize she has one hell of an argument against Maci being featured on the show after her crafty and duplicitous bullshit. What Maci was doing was no better than if Farrah was being paid to go to campuses and schools to support abstinence-only education. Maci is simply a fraud who accepted money from private (and public?) institutions for lying, and apparently only stopped touring when her clothes could no longer hide the pregnancy.

 

eta: MyPeopleAreNordic, I didn't refresh my page before posting and you already nailed it!

I have absolutely zero experience with custody and child support things, but I never understood why these people seem so hesitant to go through it the legal way, instead of trying to figure it out themselves. It protects everyone's interests. I can understand that they might feel like taking their ex to court would drive an even bigger wedge between them, but I think it solves more problems than it creates. 

 

I think it boils down to talk where the person doesn't actually want any action (and yeah, I agree that they'd rather go whine about it over 400 salon appointments than to pay a lawyer for a few hours of their time). In the case of Gary, he's been absolutely transparent that a big motivator for him getting up each day is the promise of having Amber to control and incite. The most telling part to me is that he's taken no action to get Leah's support (emphasis on Leah here...) and that seems in large part because, if he did go to court, Amber would in deep shit and possibly lose whatever privileges she currently has access to. I wish the truth was that he would never malign her to her child, but that ship has sailed about 5000 times and I think he realizes that without Amber in Leah's life, Amber would be 100% out of his control. Gary puts Amber's wants before Leah's needs all of the time, over and over again. At this point, it's probably fair to say the majority of Leah's parenting duties are being coordinated and carried out by Kristina and Matt, really.

Edited June 3, 2015 by meisje

[SPLAIN]

I hope to be able to get all my points here. Sorry in advance if this post is too long.

 

Farrah has a career in the adult industry. Big deal. She is cashing in on her MTV fame. She is no different than the rest of them with their speaking engagement careers, their books and book signing tours, radio show gigs, giving interviews all the while they are being g paid. Let's not forget, Amber stated she was approached to do a sex tape. The same likely happened to Farrah. She is just lying about how it went down. They are all liars in one way or another.

 

Ryan can just sit down. He has been happily accepting his MTV check for his new cars and what-not after he impregnated a minor while he was an adult.

 

Brooklynista you made an excellent point about this whole issue with Farrah's sex toy line and how it somehow undermines or injures MTV's precious image or the message they are supposedly sending to the viewers. If this group had just used sex toys instead of having sex, there wouldn't be any babies. To quote Brooklynista, using sex toys is practicing safe sex. Going to the strip clubs doesn't cause teen pregnancy. Having unprotected sex does! This whole thing seems like that bullshit the Duggars were telling their daughters about the need to be covered up or else males will be sexually aroused.

 

In the meantime, Maci is on baby number two. Taylor, like Ryan, is not at all eager to be legally connected to her. She failed to use protection per her words last night when she said she disposed of her birth control. The moron who is paid to talk to college and younger people about practicing safe sex and using protection to keep from getting pregnant is not practicing what she preaches. She is like the married minister who gives sermons on Sunday morning and then visits his mistress in the evening.

 

I am trying to understand how it is Farrah is somehow ruining the integrity of the show while Maci is not. Then, there is Jenelle, Nathan, Amber, Matt, and Kail who have all committed domestic violence,  and Jenelle has been abusive to her own child on this show. On Teen Mom 2 we will soon see Leah being a drug addict and being abusive to her child while in the SUV.

 

MTV needs to get off their high horse with their claim that their show is promoting using protection during sex and safe sex in general. It never has been, never will. There are no trials and tribulations here to be seen. No one is oppressed. No one is having to work two jobs to maintain a home. No one is having to live with their parents because they are left with a child to support while going to school. The only trials and tribulations this group has is, what car will they buy next? Where will they go for vacation? What nail polish color will they choose at their next manicure visit to the salon? Will they or won't they get out of bed?

 

I'd rather see Farrah host a show at a strip club if it means there are no more scenes of violence and child abuse.