Amber Portwood’s Daughter Leah Confirms She Wants to Be Adopted by Kristina Shirley

Amber Portwood and Leah’s Strained Relationship: A Glimpse into Their Emotional Journey

Amber Portwood’s relationship with her 16-year-old daughter Leah has reached an all-time low, as revealed on the February 27 episode of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter. Leah, who has been growing increasingly distant from her mother, opened up to Cheyenne Floyd about her desire to be adopted by her stepmother, Kristina Shirley. Leah expressed that she hasn’t seen or spoken to Amber in a while and seemed indifferent about the situation, stating, “I don’t really care anymore. I kind of want Kristina to adopt me. I’ve been wanting it for a while just because Kristina’s been there for me since I was, like, in kindergarten and before that.” This heartfelt admission highlights the deep emotional divide between Amber and her daughter, as well as Leah’s longing for a more stable and present maternal figure in her life.

Amber Portwood’s Struggles and the Impact on Leah

Amber, 34, has been open about her mental health struggles, including her diagnosis with bipolar disorder, which she believes has hindered her ability to be the mother she wants to be. In a previous episode, she confessed, “With my daughter, she doesn’t want to be around me… I’ve never been a mom that didn’t care. Just a f—ed up mom.” Amber’s honesty about her challenges is both poignant and relatable, but it also underscores the pain Leah has endured as a result of their strained relationship. The rare occasions when Leah does spend time with Amber are often fraught with tension, as Leah describes Amber acting as though everything is fine despite months of distance. “When I do see her, she acts like everything is perfectly fine, and I haven’t seen you in months. Why are you talking to me like this?” Leah questioned. Her words reveal a deep sense of confusion and hurt, as well as a feeling of being overwhelmed by her mother’s struggles.

Leah’s desire to be adopted by Kristina Shirley, her stepmother, is a testament to the strong bond she has formed with Kristina over the years. Kristina, who married Gary Shirley, Leah’s father, in 2015, has been a constant and supportive presence in Leah’s life. The Shirleys also have a younger daughter, Emilee, and their stable household has provided Leah with a sense of security and normalcy that she feels is lacking in her relationship with Amber. Leah’s candid conversation with Cheyenne Floyd about her adoption wishes emphasizes her yearning for a more reliable and consistent maternal figure, one who can provide the emotional support and stability she feels she’s been missing.

Gary Shirley’s Perspective and the Potential Adoption Discussion

Gary Shirley, Leah’s father, has been a steady presence in her life and has played a significant role in navigating the challenges of co-parenting with Amber. In response to Leah’s wishes about adoption, Gary agreed to speak with an attorney to explore the possibility but also cautioned his daughter about the potential emotional repercussions. “As a father, I want you to make sure you know if it’s 100 percent what you want,” Gary said. “Once that happens, for Amber, it would be a big heartbreak for her, which I know you’re not trying to do, but it’s just part of the process.” Leah’s response, “It is, but she didn’t raise me,” underscores her feelings of detachment from Amber and her desire to formalize the parental relationship she already shares with Kristina. While Gary is supportive of Leah’s wishes, he is also mindful of the impact this decision could have on Amber, who, despite her struggles, loves her daughter deeply.

Cheyenne Floyd’s Emotional Reaction to Leah’s Situation

Cheyenne Floyd, a fellow Teen Mom star, listened to Leah’s story with empathy and concern. After hearing Leah’s experiences, Cheyenne called the situation “unfortunate and sad,” adding, “There’s nobody that could keep me from showing up for [my daughter] Ryder.” Her words highlight the challenges of navigating complex family dynamics and the importance of consistent parental involvement. Cheyenne’s perspective serves as a reminder of how fortunate some children are to have parents who can provide stability and unconditional love, further underscoring the difficulties Leah has faced in her relationship with Amber.

The Emotional Complexity of Family Relationships

The situation between Amber, Leah, and Kristina is a stark reminder of the emotional complexity that often accompanies family relationships, especially in cases where mental health struggles and co-parenting challenges are involved. While Amber has acknowledged her shortcomings as a mother, her love for Leah is undeniable, and the idea of Kristina adopting her daughter is likely devastating for her. At the same time, Leah’s desire for a more stable and consistent maternal figure is a valid expression of her needs and feelings. As the family navigates this difficult chapter, it’s clear that there are no easy answers or quick fixes. Ultimately, the hope is that Leah can find the sense of security and love she deserves, while Amber is given the opportunity to heal and rebuild her relationship with her daughter, if and when the time is right.

Teen Mom: The Next Chapter continues to air Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on MTV, offering viewers a raw and unfiltered look at the lives of these families as they navigate love, loss