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Spotlight
Maci from MTV's show “Teen Mom”
What’s it like being a teen mom?
Having a baby can be really hard when you’re a teen. Teen moms are less likely to finish school and are more likely to be single parents. Read our interview with MTV’s “Teen Mom” star Maci to see how having her baby Bentley at 16 totally changed her life.
What's the hardest thing about being a teen mom?
The hardest thing about being a teen mom for me is the fact that my relationship with my son's father, Ryan, did not work out. I am constantly trying to put a family together for my son, and since I am only 18, it's likely not going to happen very soon. Most of the time I feel like it is my fault for bringing him into this mess, and I can't seem to put the pieces together for him.
When you were 16, what did you think your life would be like after high school?
When I was 16 I had huge dreams and goals for after high school. I thought that I would go away to college for culinary school and be spending all my time with friends. I thought I would be living a normal college life.
Did you have any misconceptions about what it would be like to have a baby before you got pregnant?
Honestly, I had never even thought about having a baby — at any age. I definitely had no knowledge of parenting or pregnancy.
Tell us about how you balance everything in your life right now?
I have a lot going on: Bentley, school, work, friends. But everything in my life is stable. The way I do it is to make sure that I have my priorities in line. Bentley comes first above all. Then I keep up with work and school. My friends understand that they can't be high up on my priority list and it makes it easy that they understand. I definitely would not be able to do all of the things that I do without the support of my parents! They help me out so much.
How has your relationship with Ryan changed?
Before I got pregnant, Ryan and I were perfect. Pregnancy brought on a lot of stress and fear — and that is when Ryan and I started going downhill. We are no longer together, but we stay civil for the sake of Bentley. I don't think things with us will ever work out and Bentley will have to pay for our immaturity.
How has having Bentley changed your relationships with your friends and family?
My family and I have become so much closer than we were. They are so helpful and really help me stay happy and in control. My friends and I are still very close. They all love Bentley, but I definitely don't get to spend as much time with them as I used to. That makes it hard to keep close relationships with them.
Do you think anything, such as using protection or advice from a teen mom, would have kept you from getting pregnant in the first place?
For sure. Looking back to middle school and high school, I never really had any sex education. Had I gotten more of that, then I don't think I would be in this situation. I think that if a show like "16 & Pregnant” or “Teen Mom" had been on when I was 15 or 16, it would have kept me from making the decisions I made.
If you could go back and do anything differently, would you?
I'm not sure that I would change a thing. I love the place that I am in right now. It would have been a lot easier if Bentley would have come when I was 25 and married rather than 16, but you can't change the past. I try to make the best of my situation, and Bentley makes it easier to be happy.
What does the future hold for you and Bentley?
I can't determine the future. I just know that my life is a roller coaster and, as hard as it is, I have learned to love it!
What has been your biggest accomplishment since becoming a mom?
My biggest accomplishment is graduating high school early, going through three semesters of college already, and continuing to be an awesome mom. I love how close Bentley and I are, and I'm very proud of myself for staying positive and motivated to get things done.
Content last updated August 24, 2010
