Parenting Lessons From Teen Mom: Catelynn And Amber Have Breakthroughs, While Farrah Remains Defensive

Teen Mom 4×05 “Homecoming” fit its title: Even though these girls aren’t in high school anymore, they’re taking a break from their normal routines to reconsider some aspects of their lives. Maci tries to find the right degree that will get her graduated from college without wasting more time and money. Catelynn and her grandmother visit a birth mothers support group and learn how to relate to one another regarding Carly. Surprisingly, Amber and Gary actually sit down for a therapy session that has them remembering what brought them together in the first place. Farrah goes home for her birthday and probably learns the least of anyone, since all she does is bitch at her parents. Well, three out of four ain’t bad.

FARRAH

DON’T: Get defensive

I think I include this parenting lesson for Farrah in every recap. Out of all the teen moms, she seems to be the most self-sufficient, though I’m unsure who’s actually paying for her to live in Florida—her parents, a job, MTV? And yet, even a simple Skype chat with her parents ends with her snipping at them. Consider these things she says:

“Michael, I’m happy to be independent without any aggravation, anyone telling me what to do.”

“I don’t feel like you guys can take care of her better than I can.”

Though to be fair, her mom pushes her buttons, bugging her about Sophia putting her fingers in her mouth after playing with the dog.

DON’T: Uproot your kid more than is necessary

Speaking of Farrah’s mom stirring the pot: She wants to come visit Florida before Farrah’s school starts, then take Sophia back with her because, and I quote, “I want to share our baby.” This is where I gotta respect Farrah’s need for boundaries; as much as I’m sure her mom helped raise Sophia, she’s still Farrah’s daughter and shouldn’t be shuttled back and forth between states.

DO: Take a compliment

“Even though you’re only 20, you act 25,” Farrah’s mom tells her on her birthday. Naturally, Farrah takes this as an insult and snaps back, “I act much older than 25, Mom!” Sigh.