Teen Mom

Being 16 and Pregnant isn't an ideal situation, but when you're a girl put in the spotlight by MTV, there may be some benefits. From the latest coverage of Amber's weight loss and tattoo to Tyler and Catelynn's college funds, the young moms featured in the popular program Teen Mom (meant to deter high school students from becoming parents) have gained fame. And, their fifteen minutes is extending to a fourth season! Since the teens have limited resources, does it only make sense that the kids reap the rewards of allowing cameras in?

Photos copyright 2010 MTV

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The Cast of Teen Mom Cashes in on Pregnancy: Right or Ridiculous?

Right — The girls deserve the benefits of sharing their stories.

Ridiculous — These young mothers shouldn't be benefiting from the show.

You know what they say about getting a spouse's name or a lover's likeness tattooed on your flesh: it can lead to a less-than-ideal ending. But tot tats are entirely different, since children are forever bound to their parents. Whether the parents choose a child's name or portrait to etch in their flesh, the artwork is a tribute to their offspring. And for dads and moms who have lost a little one, it is a memoriam. Recently, troubled Teen Mom Amber Portwood got a large image of her daughter, Leah, inked across her abdomen. What do you think of this practice?
Photos copyright 2010 MTV

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Teen Mom's Amber Gets Tattoo of Daughter; Would You?

Yes — Ink me.

No — I wouldn't get near the needle!

Being a teen mom doesn't end once a girl births her adorable bundle of joy. Season two of MTV's Teen Mom comes to a close next week when the four young mothers — Amber, Catelynn, Farrah, and Maci sit down with Dr. Drew. The women are a long way from where they were when 16 and Pregnant began filming.

The series documents the realities of becoming an underage parent and the emotional, familial, and financial toll it takes. A recent article debated whether viewers see the show as a form of birth control or entertainment. In the report, Bill Albert, spokesman for the National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy said:

MTV is in the entertainment business and [we] are in the teen pregnancy prevention business. Our two worlds have happily and effectively collided to minimize the number of teen pregnancies.

What is your opinion?

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Teen Mom: Is MTV's Show Birth Control or Entertainment?

Birth control

Entertainment

Maci was on the move in last night's episode of MTV's Teen Mom. The young mother packed up Bentley with intentions to be closer to her boyfriend, Kyle. Ryan opposed saying it wasn't in his son's best interest to move the boy two hours away from all of his family. Maci's parents and some of her friends also thought she was making a mistake uprooting the tot over a relationship. What's your opinion?

Photos copyright 2010 MTV

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Teen Mom: Was Maci Selfish to Take Bentley and Move Away?

Yes — Bentley is better off being closer to his family.

No — Maci has a right to be happy.

Does putting miles between a parent and child strain their relationship? When couples head to Splitsville, custody can become an intense issue if a mom or pop decides to move. While a short distance isn't likely to hinder visitation, a bigger move might. How important do you think it is for a youngster to live near both parents?

Photo copyright 2010 MTV

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Should a Child Be Geographically Close to Both Parents?

Yes — It's incredibly important for kids to see both parents regularly.

No — Distance doesn't put a strain on the parent/child bond.

Does how much a mom hits the books have a direct effect on her child? In last night's episode of MTV's Teen Mom, Amber wrestled with the idea of getting her GED instead of her high school diploma. Gary had a hard time understanding why the diploma meant so much to her since he graduated before their daughter, Leah, was born. Meanwhile, Catelynn finished up her senior year, Farrah continued work on her culinary degree, and Maci talked to her counselor about transferring to another college. How much does education play a role in a person's ability to parent?

Photo copyright 2010 MTV

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How Much Does a Mom's Education Affect Her Child?

A lot — Having knowledge helps a person be a better parent.

A little — Being a good parent has more to do with attitude than education.

Teen parents are just kids themselves so do the rules change when it comes to couples calling it quits? Forty percent of LilSugar readers said they'd do everything to stay with their child's father, but for some young parents their relationships were on the rocks before the little pink line appeared on the pregnancy test. In last night's episode of Teen Mom, the bonds between Catelynn and Tyler and Amber and Gary were strained while Ryan and Maci dated new people. What's your opinion?

Photos copyright 2010 MTV

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Teen Mom: Should Baby's Biological Parents Stay Together?

Yes — It's important that a child's parents be a couple.

No — Teen parents have lots of growing up to do.

Ryan didn't plan on becoming a dad, but he is one. In last night's episode of Teen Mom, Ryan had a new Valentine in the car when he dropped Bentley off at Maci's house. Maci's mom said she didn't think her grandchild needed to meet any of his parents' love interests until it got serious. What's your opinion?

Photos copyright 2010 MTV

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Teen Mom: Should Ryan Have His Girlfriend Around Bentley?

Yes — If Ryan's dating her, what's the big deal?

No — Kids should only meet serious significant others.