This week's PEOPLE Magazine features the only teenage couple from the TV show
Sixteen and Pregnant who gave up their baby for adoption. Yet the unfortunate cover makes it seem as though the teen couple now regrets their decision. Readers would have to wade deep into the magazine to see how much at odds this is with the couple's actual statements.
So what did the young couple Catelynn and Tyler really have to say about placing their baby for adoption? According to Catelynn, "It all comes down to what you think your kid deserves, and I think Carly deserves exactly the parents she's got now. I don't regret my decision at all, but you have your days when you miss her."
Catelynn continues: "A lot of girls are like, 'I'd never be able to do what you did' and I tell them 'I never thought I'd be able to do it, so don't ever tell yourself you can't do something until you try.'"
What about Tyler's thoughts? He's the baby's dad. "I know Carly's gonna come to mine and Catelynn's doorstop one day and say, ‘Thank you, thank you for everything you did.'"
Other information buried deep in the article that's particularly relevant is how Catelynn and Tyler are the lone couple from Sixteen and Pregnant who are still together. Instead of the inaccurate message the PEOPLE cover presents, Catelynn and Tyler say they have only grown closer since the adoption. Had they decided to raise their baby, Catelynn says, "I think we would have struggled a lot. I didn't want to struggle and I didn't want Carly to be around all of that."
Instead of lauding adoption, the take home message teens will get when they see the cover of PEOPLE is that they will seriously regret it if they place their baby for adoption.
Few teens who see the cover of PEOPLE will read where Catelynn says: "We're not the best parents for her right now" or where Tyler adds "She deserves so much better."
Few people will discover that to this young couple's credit, they placed the baby for adoption in spite of their parents' bitter opposition to them doing so.
Now I'm all for second chances, and if anyone from PEOPLE wants some thoughtful suggestions on how they can make up for their unfortunate cover, I'm more than happy to help. I can also instantly put them in touch with over a hundred educators who work with teens every day and who would be happy to help as well.
The cover is from PEOPLE Magazine, September 20, 2010.
