'Teen Mom' Maci Bookout Shouldn't Lose Custody of Bentley! Did you see Maci headed down this path?

[Cafe Kelly]

'Teen Mom' Maci Bookout Shouldn't Lose Custody of Bentley

Posted by Jeanne Sager

Remember when Maci Bookout was the shining star of MTV's reality series Teen Mom? The Tennessee teen who got pregnant with baby Bentley the first time seemed like she had it so together that she didn't really belong on the same show that's brought us human trainwrecks like Amber Portwood and Jenelle Evans. But rumors that she's in for a custody battle with ex-fiance Ryan Edwards are dragging down this ubermama's reputation big time.

The Star (I know, I know, but hear me out) is claiming Edwards is filing for full custody of Bentley because Maci has taken up the party girl lifestyle. OK, so it's just a tabloid, buuuuut, let's examine the evidence here.

Sadly, it seems the rumors we didn't want to be true about Maci being dumped by her menschy boyfriend Kyle King may have some meat to them after all. Kyle has been tweeting pictures of Bentley over the past few days with comments like "rough" and "miss u lil buddy." And Maci's grandpa Bookout has passed away, a major life moment that can send anyone over the edge. Partying it up and dropping her baby boy with daddy would fit the MO of a post-break-up, post-family death teenage girl.

And crazy as it sounds, Ryan really seems to have gotten his act together. He spent last season of Teen Mom being egged on by his mom to file for custody of the little boy, and he seemed to be taking things out on Maci out of spite more so than any real desire to be his son's number one.

More from The Stir: Maci Bookout Has the Worst Idea Ever

But now the tables have turned. He's the one in a steady relationship with Dalis Connell, a student at nearby Tennessee Tech, and he's doing grown up things these days like helping fund-raise for the Ronald McDonald House and chilling at HOME with his son watching Cars 2 instead of partying with his boys.

It's not a stretch to think Ryan is finally up for playing happy families with his girlfriend and son. In that sense, a move for full custody falls right in line with his path to adulthood. 

And it's good to hear! Bentley needs a grown-up daddy!

But that doesn't mean he doesn't need his mommy too. Maci has done such a good job under the combined pressures of being a teen mom and a reality star at the same time. Even if she's caved under recent pressures, she seems like the girl who can right the apple cart.

Here's hoping any changes in custody for these two put them on equal footing. Shared custody with two good parents would be the very best thing to happen to Bentley.

Did you see Maci headed down this path?

[sara_7106]

I wouldn't have thought Maci would be a parties but being a teen mom is hard. She has done so well, she may have just reached her breaking point.

[MrsNewman]

It's not healthy for Bentley to be ripped away from his mom. She doesn't abuse him, she loves him very much, she's just going through some stuff. I think sharing custody is probably the best thing for all involved. Bentley won't benefit from having his mom stripped away. 

[piercedbeauty21]

I thought out of all the Teen Moms she was the one with the most common sense and did what was in the best interest of her child at all times. I never thought she would be going down a path like this! Hopefully she can stop herself from going "too far" into the parting lifestyle. I would hate to see her name next to Amber's and Jenelle's.

[kngarber]

 So, she is going out while Ryan has Bently? So what????

[jbyrd898]

no i dont.

[lilbit53009]

even if it is true, i can see why with the break up and the death of her grandfather. everyone has a breaking point and she might be at it. i don't think it's right for Ryan to try to get full custody and take Bently away though. i'm sure while she's partying Bentley is still being cared for by her parents and when she's around during the day i can't imagine her not spending time with him!

instead he could grow up and not be an ass and just help her more while she's going through a tough time.  they should do joint custody or he could just offer to have Bentley a few more days if she needs time to get herself straightened out. she didn't try to get full custody when Ryan was doing the same thing! (out partying while his parents watched Bentley)

[monjerm01]

Agree..

Quoting MrsNewman:

It's not healthy for Bentley to be ripped away from his mom. She doesn't abuse him, she loves him very much, she's just going through some stuff. I think sharing custody is probably the best thing for all involved. Bentley won't benefit from having his mom stripped away. 

[MamaMandee]

Ok I dont watch but.... I dont feel she should lose custody unless she is putting the child in danger. It sounds like she has some things to work through and it might be good for the child to stay with the day but still as a joint custody thing. 

[NovaChick26]

I dont believe anything published in The Star I dont that tabloiod would know a truth if it hit them upside the head. Maci has a good head on her shoulders.

[msjaxon]

As long as she is going out when her son is with his father, I'm not seeing a problem.

Fortunately Maci has 2 years worth of footage of his lack of parenting