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Amber Portwood has a lot of feelings about her relationship with her teenage daughter. A recent episode of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter revealed that Leah Shirley, 14, has expressed interest in having her stepmom, Kristina, adopt her. This came amid another period of limited contact between Leah and Amber.
While different cast members debated how the move would impact all parties involved, Amber was allegedly in the dark. Now, sources are saying what learning that information was like for the reality star.
Gary Shirley, Leah’s dad, called Kristina “the best thing that ever happened to Leah.” However, Amber hasn’t taken kindly to that, according to Us Weekly‘s sources.
Amber Won’t Allow Leah to Be Adopted
A source close to Amber Portwood says her kids are her reason for being, even if people don’t see it that way.
Obviously, any implication that her daughter wants to be adopted is devastating to Amber. Her two kids are the reason Amber wakes up in the morning. They are why she continues filming the show and her motivation for everything.
Amber Portwood source, per Us Weekly
Another source backs up Amber’s claims, which are featured in the episode, that Leah ignores her attempts to reach out.
She’s always thinking about her daughter and wants to spend time with her. Amber often gets misunderstood because she puts up such a tough front and people think she is so strong, but she’s actually quite sensitive. This has not been an easy time for Amber on top of dealing with her mental health, which she has been very open about.
Amber Portwood source, per Us Weekly
In addition to Leah, Amber is also mom to son James, 6. She shares him with ex Andrew Glennon, who has primary custody.
A Text Shared the Mom’s Uncensored Thoughts
In a scene from the recent episode, Gary reads Kristina a text from Amber where she expresses that she has tried to reach Leah after Gary asks her to try.
I’ve texted and called Leah a million times! No answer nothing ever back! I’ve done everything to be in her life and I’ve gotten s–t on. I never get to spend time with her. I’m excluded from all of her schooling and cross country STILL! I’m tired of being unhappy and fighting for attention from everyone.
You would think I used to beat the living s–t out of her how I’m excluded from her life. All I’ve done is beg for time and I get spit in the face! I’m not a horrible person and I’m a loving mother. I refuse to live a miserable life anymore. I’ve been here and hear absolutely nothing [except] a ‘Merry Christmas’ from Kristina?!
Amber Portwood text, per The Ashley’s Reality Roundup
Amber once again appears to be going through a difficult time. While she works on her difficult relationship with Leah, she is also going through a breakup. Though Gary Wayt was introduced as her beau on the show, the two have since split.
It seems many viewers have run out of sympathy for the OG. One commenter shared their perspective on the situation, writing, “She’s stubborn and prideful and will selfishly make this process as difficult as possible on them. No one can ‘take her kid away from her’ except she hasn’t raised her daughter, ever. Her undeserving ego is infuriating to witness.“
Another lamented the lack of visibility of Amber’s alleged attempts, noting that it should be highlighted on the show — and, in their opinion, would be if that was the situation.
“There are a lot of things Amber could do. Suggest meeting up for ice cream/ frozen yogurt. Short visits. Build consistency through text messages and FaceTime/ phone calls. She should keep trying. (But sadly probably won’t). That text from Amber to Gary shows that Amber continues to make it all about herself. She needs to show Leah that SHE (Leah) is the priority. So sad when Leah said something to the effect that she doesn’t matter because Amber had a boyfriend. It must be hurtful for Leah to not feel like a priority in her mother’s life. Amber has done too little for too long to right that relationship at this point.“
Longtime Teen Mom fans are rooting for a resolution that sees everyone active and present in Leah’s life, which would be what is best for the teen.
