Does absence make the heart grow fonder? In this week’s Teen Mom, it certainly seemed like dealing with separation was the main theme. Amber, Farrah, Catelynn, and Maci all cope with being separated from the ones they love for the sake of their children—and it’s not any easy sacrifice to make.

To start, let’s talk about Amber. We didn’t see much of her this week, because she was arrested and put in jail for her previous abuse on Gary. The court also ordered Gary and Amber to have no contact, she could go back to jail if the two even text each other! All of the drama made Gary realize how much he loves Amber and wishes all of the court issues would go away. Since her attack on Gary was six months ago, and she’s been going to anger management and therapy, he thinks her arrest is over-the-top. What do you think? Is Amber’s punishment too harsh? Do you think if the situation were reversed and Gary hit Amber, you would feel the same?

All of this back and forth can’t be good for Leah, who is always sent from place to place. In the middle of all the drama, Gary says to Leah, “you don’t even know what’s going on.” Even though she’s a baby, I’m sure Leah can pick up on the emotions of her parents and the people around her. I’m sure all the separation is as hard on her as it is on Amber and Gary…if not harder.

Farrah is continuing her search for a new home. This week brought her to Florida, where she is considering going to the college she had planned to attend before her pregnancy. It’s great that she has the chance to pursue the future she dreamed of. Just as you plan what college you want to go to, out what outfit you’re going to wear, plan your approach to sex! Choosing to have sex, waiting, or using contraception might be the most important choice you’ll ever make, so make it a part of your future plans.

Getting back to the show, Farrah’s parents are not happy about her plans to move. In fact, Debra suggests that Farrah move to Florida alone, while her parents raise Sophia in Iowa. Of course Farrah is outraged at the idea of being separated from her baby for so long.

Last week, Maci made the correct choice to stay in school, and this week it looks like she’s sticking to it. Even though it was Kyle’s birthday and he just got out of surgery for a shattered knee, Maci got in the car and drove several hours to get to class on time. She admits that being away from Bentley and Kyle is hard, but it’s the best thing she can do for her family’s future. I’m glad she’s so dedicated, because less than 2% of teen moms earn a college degree before age 30.

Finally, we have Catelynn and Tyler. Of course, they have been coping long-term with the separation from Carly since the beginning, but this week they also dealt with the idea of being separated from each other. They’re in different life stages, since Tyler is in college and Catelynn is still finishing high school. Tyler wants to enjoy his youth and get his life back on track, but Catelynn worries that means Tyler is moving away from her. They have a major argument when Tyler wants to go clubbing but Catelynn doesn’t want to. She admits she feels insecure and jealous when Tyler is around other girls, especially when their bodies haven’t been through a pregnancy like hers. In the end the two reconcile and have a great night out.

How do you feel about Catelynn and Tyler? Do you think they’re going to make it, or are they too different? If they had decided to raise Carly, do you think they would have stayed together? Eight out of 10 guys don’t stay with the teen mother of their child, so I wonder which side they would have been on. I want their relationship to work out, but I guess I’ll have to wait and see. 

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This post was written by Kate, an intern for The National Campaign. Kate is a senior at George Washington University, studying journalism and sociology. She loves theater and cooking, and eats mashed potatoes every single day. Have a question for Kate? Email us!

 

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