Earlier this week, I had the opportunity to chat with Chelsea Houska, 20-year-old mum and one of the stars of MTV's Teen Mom 2. Being a mum is hard work at any age, and I'm often a little disappointed with the way some of the girls on the show act. But then I remember, they really are "babies having babies."
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How did you get involved with the producers of Teen Mom?
I was pregnant when the first season of 16 & Pregnant aired. I was sitting on the couch with my big belly, I was, like, 5 months pregnant at the time, and I was sitting with my friend, and I said “I want to do this.” I went on the MTV website and then I e-mailed them. I never thought I was gonna get on or anything.
What was it like when you found out you were pregnant?
I was 17 when I found out I was pregnant, and I was terrified. I was dating Adam for about a year, and, I was, like, terrified. So afraid to tell my dad. I told my mom first, and she was disappointed. I said "don't tell dad" cause I didn’t want to tell my dad for as long as possible...my parents are divorced, and I knew she'd told him after he started calling non-stop. I didn't answer my phone and I stayed at a friend’s for a while, and when I got home, my dad gave me a big hug. Everyone is really supportive in my family.
I know you’ve had a tumultuous time with your ex, Adam. How has that affected your family life?
Adam sees Aubree from time to time. He’s still in her life a little bit. His parents are really, really, really great. Aubree sees them. I have been doing this alone, my family is there to help me. They sort of take the place of where Adam is supposed to be in terms of support so that’s been good for us.
Living real life in front of the camera seems daunting—how do you make it through filming? Are you ever worried about the negative impact all the cameras may have on Aubree?
Aubree has had the cameras in her life since she’s been born (sic). I have thought about “is this bad?" But I think it’s going to be good. I will be able to explain all this to her later. I want to be in control of all the stuff she’ll see when she’s older about Adam and all the stuff with him.
What have you learned from being a young mum?
I was thinking today that before I had Aubree, I always thought how stressed I was. I can’t believe I ever thought of that before. I do everything for her. My life revolves around her, what’s best for her. I had to grow up a lot. It’s so crazy, cause it happened so fast. Here I am, (with the responsibilities of) a 40-year-old in a 20-year-old’s body.
What will you tell Aubree about being a teen mum?
I am going to make sure she knows about pregnancy prevention and that I am open to her. I’m going to tell her how hard it is, and I want to be really open with her. I think that’s really important. All parents need to make their children feel comfortable talking about this stuff.
Do you think it’s important to try and steer her away from potentially being a teen mum herself?
It’s important! I’m really gonna work on it with her. I had to give up so much, and I just want her to live out her young years, and find someone great and do it that way, the normal way, 'cause I know she’ll be happier.
What advice do you have for other young girls who may be pregnant or want to become pregnant?
I want these girls to understand that there’s so much time for that. Once you have a child, you can’t act how you did. You have to give up so much. You still get fun times, but it’s not the same. You never get back to that carefree lifestyle. I know I thought I wouldn’t care, but now, I’m already sad. It does bug me. I missed my prom. I don’t think young girls realize that.
What’s next for Chelsea?
I’m in school now, and I want to continue with that. I’ve always wanted to do hair, so I’m doing that. I don’t know how long teen mom will happen, but I’m enjoying it. I want to finish school, have a salon or work in a salon and just do what I always wanted to do.
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I have to admit, it was nice to see Chelsea both vulnerable and strong at the same time. I can't imagine having become a mum at 17. I can barely handle it some days now, and I'm 33. I'll definitely be checking out the next season of Teen Mom 2 this fall to see what's going on with Chelsea and Aubree and the other girls.
So, spill it. What do you think about Teen Mom?
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