MTV’s “Teen Mom”
MTV DOCUMENTS THE CHALLENGES OF YOUNG MOTHERS IN “TEEN MOM” PREMIERING ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8 AT 10PM ET/PT
One Out Of Every Six Girls In America Will Become A Teen Mom, New Series Sheds Light On The Difficulties of Young Parenthood
MTV will once again bring one of today’s most thought-provoking topics to its viewers with an all-new docu-series “Teen Mom.” The series catches up with four girls: Maci, Amber, Catelynn and Farrah, from the cast of the first season of “16 And Pregnant” to give viewers a deeper look at the lives of teenage parents. Told by each girl first hand, the series will depict the varied challenges young mothers face. From marriage or relationships, to high school or college, to new babies or life after adoption, these new parents must learn how to balance adult responsibilities while trying to hold on to a semblance of teenage life. “Teen Mom” premieres on Tuesday, December 8 at 10:00pm ET/PT and will have eight one-hour episodes.
According to the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy, one out of every ten children in the United States is born to a teenage mother and about one quarter of all teen moms have a second child within two years making it difficult to get an education or escape poverty. Additionally, children born to teen parents are more likely to repeat the cycle and become teen parents themselves. Despite the availability of sex education and access to contraception, the United States continues to have the highest rate of teen pregnancy and teen birth in the entire developed world.
“The young girls in our hit series ’16 And Pregnant’ captured viewers’ hearts with their stories,” said Tony DiSanto, President of Programming MTV. “In ‘Teen Mom,’ we continue the journey of some of the girls, as they make their way thru the first year of motherhood…presented in the authentic verite style of the original series.”
“After 15 straight years of decline, the teen birth rate in the United States is on the rise again. In other words, the need to help young people understand the challenges of too-early pregnancy and parenthood and the profound, life-long responsibility of being a parent is now more important than ever. Thank you MTV for providing a no-holds-barred look at the realities of being a teen parent” said Sarah Brown, CEO of The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy.
Viewers can visit MTV and the Kaiser Family Foundation’s www.itsyoursexlife.com to learn more about the realities of being a teen parent and receive expert advice on pregnancy prevention. In addition, Sex Etc.and the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy will also provide information.
Viewers can also go to MTV.com for sneak peeks of the show including bonus/extended scenes and exclusive interviews with the moms.
“16 & Pregnant, Season 1 is available on DVD now at Amazon.com” URL: http://www.amazon.com/16-Pregnant-Season 1/dp/B002NX0UJ8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1258055284&sr=1-1
“Teen Mom” is Executive Produced by Morgan J Freeman. Tony DiSanto is President of Programming for MTV. Liz Gateley and Lauren Dolgen are Executive Producers. Kenda Greenwood is Supervising Producer. Jessica Zalkind is Executive for MTV. Concept by Lauren Dolgen.
Executive Producer Morgan J. Freeman (MTV’s 16 and Pregnant, Laguna Beach, Taking The Stage) made a name for himself as the Sundance award-winning writer/director of Hurricane Streets, a film centered on the trails and tribulations of teenage life. Freeman’s latest films, Homecoming, a thriller starring Mischa Barton and Jessica Stroup (90210), and Just Like The Son (Mark Webber, Rosie Perez) will be released on DVD in December.
About The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy:
The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy is a private, non-profit, non-partisan organization that seeks to improve the lives and future prospects of children and families. Our specific strategy is to prevent teen pregnancy and unplanned pregnancy so that a higher proportion of babies are born into wanted and welcoming circumstances. The National Campaign supports a combination of responsible behavior by men and women and responsible policies in the public and private sectors. Find out more at www.thenationalcampaign.org or www.stayteen.org.
About MTV Network:
MTV is the dynamic, vibrant experiment at the intersection of music, creativity and youth culture. For over 28 years, MTV has evolved, challenged the norm, and detonated boundaries — giving each new generation a creative outlet and voice that entertains, informs and unites on every platform and screen. On-air, MTV is the number one rated full-day ad-supported cable network for P12-24. Online, MTV.com averaged 8.5 million monthly unique visitors during the first quarter of 2009 — up +6% from Q4/2008 and up +6% year-over-year. Total video streams for the first quarter of 2009 increased 21% over the same time period last year. And MTV’s successful sibling networks MTV2, mtvU and MTV Tr3s each deliver unprecedented customized content, super-serving music fans, college students and young American Latinos like no one else. MTV is part of MTV Networks, a unit of Viacom (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B), one of the world’s leading creators of programming and content across all media platforms. Wanna know more? Come on in… www.mtvpress.com.
December 7th, 2009 at 1:41 am
I love the show because I see my self in most off the girls n the problems they show here are real I LOVE IT
December 8th, 2009 at 11:14 pm
I am a teen mom too. I just turned 19 and it is reaaly hard being a mom. Most of the time all I want to do is pull my hair out! My fiance just turned 26. He has an addiction problem, has no job, and is always running around. He barely helps me take care of our almost 4month old daughter. My dad, other family members, and the state helps me pay bills, get food, and get everything that is needed around the house and for Angel. I am soooo in some need of advice from someone not in my family.
December 9th, 2009 at 2:24 am
I am kind of dissapointed in the show. Farrah has yet to grow up!!! Amber needs to get help…it’s turning to abusing her child’s father. He has a good heart!!! Maci needs to put her foot down more. And Catelynn I wish I could give her a hug. She is strong and still doesn’t bitch about her parents as much as these others. Farrah RESPECT YOUR MOM AND CARE FOR SOPHIA!!!
December 9th, 2009 at 2:25 am
Oh and what happened to Ebony and Whitney?
December 9th, 2009 at 3:37 am
I just wanted to comment on tuesday showing …. farrah is totally lost …. “Dating” she gave all that up when her daughter came in to the picture her priority should be her daughter …why does she feel the need to date … I have a 8 1/2 month old daughter …I’ve been doing it by myself and im doing just fine …. not gonna lie there are time I wish I had my other half …. but when the time is right it will happen …. things always fall into place …. she should give it time and stop rushing things …life is not about her anymore …. I feel sorry for her baby …seems every chance farrah gets she wants to get away …. and mom shouldn’t give in so easy … she stands her ground for awhile then eventually gives in …. farrah , shoes on the other foot … would u let your daughter do the same??? you really had to see Cole in person … just like your mom said he didn’t deserve to see u in person to talk things out u should of just left it and spent time with your daughter …. wake up ….. I’ll be praying that u open your eyes and realize … u don’t get second chances with your daughter again so enjoy every moment …. stop putting yourself first …. you couldn’t even stop to give your daughter a bath …more wprried bout getting ready to go out … your daughter never asked to be born … she is here now ….. karama bites back …. seems like she is more in the way …should of kept your legs closed … u make me sick ….
December 9th, 2009 at 3:32 pm
i think everyone is blowing this whole pregnancy thing with young mothers out of propotion. there is so much i have to say lol.
when it comes to Farrah, her sister is just wrong and so is mom, Farrah was clearly old enough to lay down and make the choices she made the end result she had a baby that doesn’t mean she can’t and shouldn’t have her own life. as far as we( the world) can she spends all her time with sophia and act and trys to be the best and great mom that she is. so going on one or two dates shouldnt be a problem since her momther thought it was best that farrah didn’t her daughter father he was going to be a daddy. so if she feel she is ready to date to find her MAN, A FATHER for her child i dont understand or see why anyone is making a big deal. Farrah isn’t doing anything wrong by going on one date, as long as she is taking care of her daughter thats all that should matter.
December 9th, 2009 at 3:44 pm
AND another thing is too, these young ladys need to see that being pregnant and having a child is hard even for mothers who are in there 30′s and up it is hard. open your eyes!!! im a mother my self i am 24 yrs old. and yes it is hard and times to get hard but not every time you want your space your gonna get your space, and guys not all guys most guys dont take it as serious as us so get use to it. they will always complaine and complaine and complaine its man that’s there name.
and for the cuple that gave there daughter away you made a mistake ounce why are you having un-protected sex befor your period or aftre your period, and then when you guys find out your having a next baby your gonna get sacred if you lay down in your bed you can make up your bed, STOP HAVING UN-PROTECTED SEX this goes to every young girl and stop useing birth control so you can have unprotected sex, and start wraping that shit up. there is so many of you young girls doing this and you guys are throwing away your babies like its some sort of style. you want to act like grown up START BEING GROWN UP’S!!!
December 11th, 2009 at 5:32 am
Just once I think they should show how teenage moms can also be successful.
Diane Garnick is one of the most successful women on wall street and she had her daughter when she was only 15.
Can’t they focus on the positive ways teen moms can turn their lives around?
She never says it was easy… but always points out success is possible.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Diane-Garnick/188133090053
December 12th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
I am a mother of 3 boys, ages 5yrs, 3yrs, and 9 months. I am also 39 years old. Children require so much, all the time, and I have help. My advice to anyone having sex, please be prepared for the potential outcome. Farrah is only doing what she is allowed to do. She is very disrespectful and non chalant about her duties as a mom because her mom has allowed her to be. Farrah is not maternal or does not appear to be, simply she does not know how. I don’t believe she was ever taught. As far as the other teen moms are concerned, I believe they are doing the best they can with hand they dealt themselves. For the two that gave their baby up, good for you, but don’t make the same mistake again. For the girl who is now beating up on her baby’s dad, get some help before your baby suffers further. Bently’s mom, you are doing a great job with your baby, continue to do that and move on. I wish the best of luck to all of you. I love my boys and do my best to do all I can to make their lives the best it can be. Sometimes, believe it or not, you have to deny yourself what you want as a mom, and do for your children. THEY ARE WHAT MATTERS NOW!
December 15th, 2009 at 9:56 pm
i think amber needs to grow up alot the way she acts is so sad i did not like the way she used gods name in that way i dont care how mad you are at someone may if she had a job she would not be sad
December 15th, 2009 at 11:09 pm
maci is a good mother for her age she is better then my sister who is a lot older so good for her i wish her all the luck in the world you are a smart girl and your son is a little cutie the amber gir needs some help and i mean that but all the babie are cuties
December 17th, 2009 at 2:05 am
This is for Maci. You are a great mom and I want to congradulate you for the sacrifices and decisions u make on behalf of your child. I was 21 years old when I had my only son. He is now almost 4 years old. I was with my sons father for 5 years and had been best friends for 5 before that. I had no idea that things would fall apart for me like they have. I had the highest hopes, not nearly as insightful or honest with myse;lf as you have been. I tried so hard to do right and convince him to do so also. I failed at all attempts. You are on the right path. The last show…I cried the whole time. You are doing the right thing. I hope that things work out for you all. What that means, I cannot say, it is not my place. Best of luck to everyone of you. Lean on those that you trust.
December 17th, 2009 at 2:54 am
catelynn i just want to give her a hug. i too thougt about giving my son up when i got pregnant at 14 .my mom was not able to help me. my sisters said that they would help as much as they could. the babys dad said he would help. so my mom let me move in with him. biggest mistake of my life . sometimes i thank that my son would have been better off if i had gave him up. i do love my son and now he is 24 .and i am happy that it all worked but what if .my be he would have been happier with someone who could have giving him better . i for one respct you you did give your baby up but you did it for LOVE .love of your baby and hold your head up high and know that one day your baby girl will come to you and say mom thank you for loving me that much .
December 18th, 2009 at 1:08 pm
I think that farrah is a great mother she has a gorgoues daughter(:….
and maci girl..you can do soo much better cause ryan doesnt care for you or the baby…you need a ‘real man’
and whitneyy your fiance is a douchse!! haha but i know you are a great mother!
andd catelynn giving your baby was a big shock…bhut you did what was best and those tattoos yall got are wonderful(:
i wish the best for all of yall!
December 20th, 2009 at 10:53 am
First of all, you all don’t seem so bad off. You all have transportation and roof over head and food and clothes on your back. I have issues with all but would just like to comment on the couple that gave Carly up for adoption. That took wonderful courage and don’t ever doubt yourself. Look at your living arrangements now, would you want her to be faced with that day after day? Keep a jounal and if you have extra time, volunteer in a place where children are in programs that need caregivers such as a daycare where these kids come from broken families and sometimes abuse or Mom or Dad has issues. Spending that time with these children will teach you will get a great deal from that. you won’t have extra time to think so much about Carly. Your time will come when she will get to know you, she needs to bond with her new parents now and that first 2 years are very important for them. You will fall right into place with her, and it may take a few visits, but you will. You still need to have a good relationship to show her the importance of that. It will be soon enough. Work on your relationship with each other so you hve that to offer. Carly and be proud of it. That is what she needs to see, All the couples need to take a look in the mirror to see where the problem begins. I wish the best for all. Preservarance!
December 23rd, 2009 at 12:16 am
I have some comments to make.Raising kid’s is the hardest job whether you are a teen or older.I had 2 babies by the time I was 22 and I am Married to the same man(father of my kid’s) for 20 yrs now.Things get hard but you STAY THE COURSE).Farrah is Spoiled and Selfish.She is stuck up and feels Entitiled like when Cole said “u r Georgeous” she said “I Know”.I cannot stand her Mother or sister,they ALL need help and Sophia will suffer.Tyler&Caitlin I LOVE.Their Family is the Poster Family for Disfunction.
Amber needs BIG TIME Therapy,her anger is misplaced abd Gary suffers for that,now she is getting Pysical with him,YIKES. Maci I LOVE!!!What a mature young lady with a Beautiful Baby, Ryan is so selfish and I think she should definetely be done with him.This guy just wants his freedom,I say “GIVE IT TO HIM”.Good for you Maci,You are a TERRIFIC Mom . Amber is almost 20, she needs to big time grow up.
December 23rd, 2009 at 9:45 am
These “people” really make me think that the movie Idiocracy is our future. These people scare me. If you need a license to drive a car, you should need an IQ test to have a child. Idiots!
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:38 pm
okkkkkkkkkkk umm for all those people who say farrah needs to grow up need to shut the fuck up!! because one her family is being WAAAAY to controlling ok she is 18 she is an adult yes she is a mom but she also goes to work goes to school and still has time to take care for sofia ok teen moms everywhere are trying to find someone to date and to be there for them ok you can be a teen mom and still have a social life and i think farrah balances it very well ok so seriously leave her alone her family is being way to controlling ok she needs to find a new babysitter or take the baby with her when she goes out with her friends but not on dates i mean everyone even a teen mom wants to date and wants to find someone im saying al this and im not even a teen mom ok and i know how it is to have a family that is controlling ok and is it too much to ask someone to help you with ur baby i mean people do it for their friends and family keep your head up high farrah
December 23rd, 2009 at 8:39 pm
and amber is just going thru a hard time ok gary doesnt do shit so leave her alone too
December 27th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
I just have 2 say i luv the show, maci your a great mom. Buetiful baby boy, n-e-way amber i’ve been in past abusive relationships were me and my then fiance would hit eachother he’s pushed me down while i was preggres alot of drama. Yah soo keep your hands off eachother if you cant then he should leave, and catlynn an tyler your decision was for the best! i was 17 one i got pregnant it just was’nt in my beliefs and i had alot of support from my mom. And again as for you farrah stay away from boys i had the same problem after i had my son i would go and hang with my friends, at 19 i met my future husband we dated 6 yrs previously and before we started a sexual relations i went to the clinic we got tested and got busy and before i knew it by june of 08′ i got pregnant i didnt find out untill i was 3 mths. It was’nt that i was to far along i just had to tell my daughters father but we kept her even though it was’nt the best idea we still have love for her veery much.
December 27th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Maci,
You did a good job dropping Ryan ! You and your son deserve way more! There are so many awesome guys out there like me that would love to spend time with BOTH of you! keep your head up!! You will find a great guy who WANTS to take care of you guys!!!
December 29th, 2009 at 4:54 pm
maci you r a great mom! bt amber need to be les abusive and mor positive and great job to caitlynn and tyler u guys r my role modles
January 2nd, 2010 at 6:10 pm
Caitlynn…watching the show…and your parents and how they treat you….I think you did the best thing you knew to do for your little girl. I was so touched by your story. It would be so hard to do what you did but you and Tyler did it all for the right reasons and your daughter will respect that someday. When Tylers dad said that he would live in a truck with the baby if he had to, that blew me away…I wouldnt want that life for my kids and I cant believe he would be that selfish. You and Tyler are make an amazing couple…you are both so grown up and mature for your age and someday will make incredible parents.
Farrah…you still have a lot of growing up to do and your daughter needs you. You cant get this time back. I dont understand why you are so focused on trying to find a man…you want a daddy for your daughter but you arent even there as a full time mom to her. You really need to sit back and look at the choices you are making, and how they affect Sophia.
Amber, I think you need to ease up on Gary a bit. I understand you are frustrated, and depressed etc…but you are seeking help for that…you need Gary…you need his help…and he wants to be there. He may not always pick up after himself etc…but you both are very young still and you made Leah together….do your best to work it out if you love eachother. Every couple has problems, no one is perfect….why dont the two of you seek help together? Like counseling.
Maci, you are beautiful and smart….and I think you really love Ryan but you seem to have a good head on your shoulders and you know whats best for you and Bailey. Ryan needs to grow up…Maci you are doing a really good job.
January 2nd, 2010 at 6:11 pm
Sorry Maci…I meant Bentley, not Bailey.
January 7th, 2010 at 4:58 am
Hi Maci just wanna say U GO GIRL u r doin a great job , parenting is difficult @ any age but u seem 2 have caught on quickly, it”s a shame that the first year u had 2 b mommy & daddy while ryan ran the streets partin his ass off but u handled it (his lose) When u left I was proud of u . U did it like a lady & thats alot more than I can say bout a couple of other GIRLS on the same program. And 4 ur & Bentleys” (kewl name) sake I HOPED that would b a wake-up call 4 Ryan 2 pull his head out of his ass. And u never missed a beat u got busy with @ home college classes so not 2 leave ur son . Ryans parents r dessperatly tryin by pushin counseling but Im sorry that boy has no motivation it seems . except when his cell rings then he runs out the door.They mean well, Your parents did good u seem 2 b a well rounded intelligent young lady keep-up the great job, good-luck 2 u I hope things turn out the way you”d like – but like Cody said(Dec.27) there r lots of guys out there.I myself am a mom of 2 girls(16 & 22 ) we watch the show 2gether we all agree u got ur shit 2gether.Keep up the good-job.Bentley seems 2 b a happy baby ,never cries thats a sign of a job well-done. GOOD-LUCK!
January 7th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
Do these girls get paid for doing this show? I would hope so cause moneys being made because of them. Caitlynn is so beautiful….God Bless her and Tyler ~ They are both such mature, beautiful people and you made a very hard yet wise decision to give your baby up for adoption you would just have it that much harder and be responsible for another life at the same time. May God bless you both and keep you always!!!!
January 20th, 2010 at 12:41 am
i think it horrible to watch how Farrah acts does she know how much a baby sitter could cost or the fact that a waitress job don’t pay for shit im sure she doesn’t have to pay for anything her parents do. it sad how she treats them my heart go out to the young lady how gave her child up for adoption that takes all kinds of heart and strength so much a that some of just don’t have. as for amber garys a ass and is just lazy. i have plenty of room to talk im 23 my daughter is 7 and my son is 3 do the math i was 15 when i got preg and it was hard i finely got my ged and 2 years of college. i had no one helping me i have no one helping me still i watch this show and cry half these girls don’t under stand how easy they have it some times. wate till they get older and there parents get tired and don’t want to help or just the fact they may have to pay rent car bill phone bills and all the child’s expenses grow up you lied down and made the baby kept the baby now be a adult and take care of the baby your self’s like adults do. BABY’S HAVING BABYS ITS SAD…………
January 20th, 2010 at 12:53 am
I DONT KNOW IF THE YOUNG LADYIES WILL READ THIS UT GOD BLESS YOU ALL AND GROW UP SOME MORE GET THE THINGS DONE THAT NEED TO BE DONE SCHOOL JOBS I UNDERSTAND YOU WANT YOUR MANS AND THE RELATIONSHIPS TO WORK OUT BUT HOW CAN THEY IF YOU SELF’S ARE FALLING APART WITH THEM YOU NEED TO WORK TOGETHER SO THE BABY’S DON’T SUFFER. AND I HOPE THIS SHOW TAPING THEM IS OFFERING THEM COUNSELING OR SOME KIND OF SUPPORTIVE SERVICES IF NOT SHAME ON YOU THESE ARE KIDS HAVING KIDS ..AND ONE KID FARRAH IS JUST SHOWING HOW THE GRANDPARENTS ARE GOING TO DO EVERYTHING AND SHE CAN GO OUT DATING AND HANGING OUT WITH HER FRIENDS ITS SAD THAT’S NOT HOW IT WORKS ITS HARDER THE SHOW ALSO IS NOT HELPING OUT PAYING THEM FOR WHAT NOT NOT DO THINGS FOR THEM SELF’S ITS HORRIBLE
January 20th, 2010 at 10:21 am
I feel Maci is the only one who has her son’s best intrest at heart she is a good Mom even with a useless boyfriend.I just love Catelynn and Tyler I truly hope they make it through their hardships if any couple on this show makes it I hope it’s them as young as they are they love each other
January 28th, 2010 at 12:18 am
I was concerned about Amber at first, I thought she was out of her mind. the way she treated Gary. In the end she really knew what she was doing. I thought she was a person with alot of excuses, and never finished what she starts. But boy was I wrong. Although I dont condone a women putting there hands on a man. I can totally get the rage she was feeling, and she did do what was best for her daughter.
Farrah, boy was I getting frustrated seeing you try to still live a teenage life. Although I can understand the tug of war you were having with yourself over Teen versus MoM. Bravo for becoming the strong independant women you have become. Continue to fight the fight, you are doing a fantastic job.
Maci, Maci…. I am a 34 year old women and just had my first child, but the way you handle yourself in the sittuations you get caught up in with Ryan, I have to say I wish I had as much class and patience as you do. Be strong! You are a wonderfull, and loving Mom, and you will always be with or without Ryan. Bentley is a beautiful child.
Catelyn and Tyler…. I LOVE YOU GUYS!!! Tyler I wish half the men in this world were like you. I know you are not perfect and you are still young, but you really do get it!!! Continue to be the man we all wish to have. Catelyn I take my hat off to you for so many reasons. I wish you much Love, Happiness, and success in all that you do in life. Souls like you are few and far in between. Sleep good at night knowing that you did good for your daughter MaMa.
I wish you all the best of luck, and hope there is a new season. I think you are contributing alot to your generation in letting it all out that being a teen parent is hard. I am 34 and I can relate to some of the issues you are going through at my age, I cant imagine going through it at yours. I will definitley by the DVD’S to show my 6 month old son when he is of age. Thanks for opening up your lives to us. Good luck and God bless.
February 1st, 2010 at 3:49 pm
Catelynn + Tyler…
You 2 kids seem more mature than most adults. I met my husband when i was 15 years old . i have been married for 20 years and have 2 wonderful kids. I believe in you . You can make it!
I hope you marry some day and have children when you are ready. Carly will be so proud of you! Your love for each other is a great role model for other young couples.
Stay strong.
February 19th, 2010 at 10:50 pm
I just wanted to say that I loved the show right from the start. Everyones story is so interesting.
Maci and Ryan: I think that Maci you are doing an amazing job as a mother and girlfriend. Maybe you need to be a little more strict with Ryan but I hope all works out for the two of you. You are doing an amazing job again, keep up the good work….and Bentley is a beautiful boy =).
Catelynn and Tyler: I may not know you personally but you are the strongest couple I have ever seen. I honestly wish I could be as strong and confident as you two. As for giving up Karleigh Im very proud that you could do that, I know that being a mother is a hard job as I have a 3 month old daughter myself but you guys did what you thought and knew would be best for her and that takes a lot of confidence and strength. Congratulations on your engagement also. One day when you two are ready to give the best life to your baby, I know you will be great parents. Hugs to you two and Maci.
I have no comments on Farrah and Amber! But you two are tryin which I can give you credit for.