Kailyn Lowry has been a reality TV star for the entirety of her adult life.
Of course, she’s also been a mom throughout that time, having welcomed her first child at the age of 17.
While her role on Teen Mom 2 has brought kail financial freedom and a host of fabulous career opportunities, she obviously prioritizes the health and happiness of her children above all else.
So it stands to reason that Kail has spent a lot of time contemplating the effect that her fame might be having on her children.
Lowry has been on the show for a full decade, but she says her feelings toward the show have changed recently.
Specifically, Kail revealed on her podcast that watching the Teen Mom 2 Season 9 trailer caused to reflect on the relationship between her career and her kids.
"It made me rethink about, am I exploiting my family?” she told co-host Lindsie Chrisley.
“What effect is this going to have on my kids?” Kail added.
Kail went on to point out that she’s in uncharted territory, as very few parents have to consider the possibility that the same career that provides for their children might be causing longterm psychological damage.
“I think, at least for Isaac and Lincoln so far, they handle things very, very differently. I don’t know what the after effects of being on Teen Mom are,” she said.
“Why do I stay? For the past 10 years, this is all I’ve known."
Lowry also observed that despite the downsides of fame, the show has created a brighter future for both her and her children.
“Yeah, there are bad parts of it but there’s also good that comes with it, too. I’ve been able to use this platform to launch into other things: my books, my hair care line, my podcast," Kail said.
“There are all these things that provide for my children and feed my children,” she continued.
“I’m able to put my kids in a good school. My kids have trust funds.
"My kids aren’t going to have to worry about anything, in those aspects. It’s just one of those things that you’ll never understand unless you’re in it.”
It’s rare to hear reality stars speak so candidly about the benefits and drawbacks of their careers.
Like the rest of the Teen Moms, Kail has struggled over the years with harsh criticism from fans and what she feels are unfair portrayals by the show’s editors.
But ultimately, her time in the spotlight has allowed her to provide a life for her kids that few single moms could dream of.
Ironically, her decision to remain on the show despite these hardships has been derided as selfish — but based on her comments on the subject, it seems like that choice was quite the opposite.