The latest episode of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter, which aired on March 13, 2025, shed light on Leah Shirley’s aspirations regarding her future. Leah, the 16-year-old daughter of Amber Portwood and Gary Shirley, articulated her wish for her stepmother, Kristina Shirley, to officially adopt her. This heartfelt moment showcased Leah’s longing for a formal bond with Kristina, who has been a constant presence in her life.
“I want to be adopted because Kristina’s been there my whole life. I just feel like it should be official. And it’s more than a piece of paper to me,”Leah stated.
This episode emphasized Leah’s motivations for seeking adoption and the potential emotional challenges that accompany such a decision. She resides with her father Gary, her stepmother Kristina, and their daughter Emilee, all of whom support her aspirations. The conversation also delved into Leah’s concerns regarding her biologic mother, Amber, and how her reaction to the adoption could impact Leah’s emotional well-being.
Leah’s Aspirations for Adoption
During the episode, Leah elaborated on her desire for Kristina to become her legal guardian, stressing how Kristina’s unwavering support has shaped her life. However, Leah also expressed uncertainty about the possible backlash from Amber.
“I really want to do it, but I’m scared it would make Amber mad. I don’t like being mean to people,”she shared.
Gary, taking Leah’s emotions into account, consulted with a lawyer regarding the legal implications of the adoption process. He informed Leah that the adoption could take up to a year or even longer if Amber were to contest it. This consideration added a layer of complexity to Leah’s feelings about moving forward.
“If we say something or do something, she might try to do stuff and make it harder,”Leah shared.
As Leah navigates her thoughts about this significant decision, Gary encouraged her to speak with a therapist to ensure that she explores all her feelings adequately. He highlighted the importance of Leah’s emotional safety in the process, assuring her of their support.
“I know that your mom loves you, but for some reason she doesn’t know how to show it. But I want you to know that we’re here to help you and to be with you,”Gary told Leah.
Support from Gary and Kristina
The episode revealed Gary’s concerns about Leah’s future, particularly in light of Amber’s diminishing involvement in her life. He noted that Amber had only seen Leah four times over the past year, raising fears regarding Leah’s safety and stability should something happen to him.
“If something happens to me, I don’t see Amber being what Leah needs. I need to know if something happens to me, Leah is safe,”he said.
Kristina also reaffirmed her dedication to Leah’s well-being, articulating her readiness to support whatever decision Leah makes.
“I will do whatever she wants. Nothing will change the way that I love that girl,”she shared.
Ultimately, Leah resolved to take her time to reflect on her options and sought guidance from her therapist before making any final decisions regarding the adoption.
Additional Highlights from the Episode
Other notable moments from this episode included Ashley’s exploration of hypnotherapy to alleviate stress related to Bar’s court situation while managing challenges in her nursing program. Additionally, Briana contemplated undergoing a tubal ligation to prevent unintended pregnancies. Meanwhile, Mackenzie faced disruptions to her IVF plans due to Hurricane Milton and expressed disappointment over her ex-partner, Josh, failing to check on her and their children during the storm.
Fans can catch new episodes of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter every Thursday on MTV.