Leah Messer is a familiar name from the American series Teen Mom.
The reality television personality became a mother to twin daughters, Aliannah and Aleeah, at the age of 16 and has candidly shared her experiences regarding the personal and public hurdles of being a teenage parent over the years.
In recent times, she has been featured on Teen Mom: The Next Chapter, offering viewers a close-up view of her life as a mother to her now 15-year-old twin daughters and her 11-year-old daughter, Adalynn.
Fans have watched the American mother of three navigate through marriage, divorce, and mental health challenges. A significant aspect of her journey is her bond with her daughters, who have grown up in the spotlight.
In the most recent episode of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter, Leah contemplates the reality that her daughters are now teenagers, nearing the age she was when she had them.
Contemplating her teenage pregnancy
Leah Messer, hailing from West Virginia, has been a recognizable figure to reality TV enthusiasts since her debut on 16 and Pregnant and later on Teen Mom 2.
Despite Leah’s difficult upbringing and growing up in a state known for high rates of teen parents and poverty, becoming a teenage parent was never in her plans.
Prior to her pregnancy, Leah enjoyed what many would describe as a typical high school experience — she was a cheerleader dating the star football player. However, everything changed when her life took an unforeseen turn.
When Leah gave birth at 17, her mother was only 34 and her grandmother 51, as she remembers. Leah believes that no one was shocked by her situation.
“It was common,” she shared with Vogue, reflecting on the generational trends. “That was the reality for many women before me. This was what was anticipated.”
Struggles with mental health
Throughout the years, countless viewers have been invested in her story. The mother of three was once married to Jeremy Calvert from 2012 until 2015 and to Corey Simms from 2010 to 2011, who is the father of her twin daughters.
From her initial struggles as a teenage mother to raising twins Aliannah and Aleeah, navigating marriage and divorce, and facing mental health challenges, Leah has openly shared her highs and lows, establishing herself as one of the most unforgettable personalities on the show.
Leah Messer has been one of the most candid and sincere reality stars, and her role as a mother has played a crucial part in her identity both on-screen and off-screen.
Over the years, we’ve witnessed Leah evolve, learn, and tackle life’s challenges with bravery. From being a teen mom to becoming a thoughtful and experienced parent — Leah’s journey has motivated many, and she continues to share her stories with her followers.
Now, as the twins are beginning their teenage years, it’s evident that Leah feels both proud and nostalgic about their growth.
Here’s what Leah’s daughters look like today.
In Teen Mom: The Next Chapter, Leah is hitting another milestone, but this time it’s her daughters who are taking center stage. The twins, who have been raised in front of the cameras, are now gearing up for their very first high school dance. For Leah, who became a mother at a young age, this is a deeply emotional moment.
The girls are now nearing the same age she was when she had them, prompting her to reflect on how swiftly time has flown and how different their upbringing has been compared to her own.
Throughout the episode, Leah expresses her thoughts on her daughters’ increasing independence and the hurdles that come with raising teenagers. She opens up about her desire to guide them in ways she might not have been able to as a young woman and how she hopes they can learn from her past experiences.
Leah is confident that her daughters won’t follow the same path and become pregnant at a young age.
”It’s the small things, like scheduling their first gynecologist appointments together next year and having these honest discussions with them… that I believe will be enough to break the cycle,” she shares. ”I love them no matter what their journey may entail, but I do want more for them, and I always will.”
Her children are maturing
For those who have been with Leah since the start, this episode holds a special significance—a reflection of her journey, not only as a mother but also as an individual.
In the February 2025 episode, Leah becomes emotional as she realizes her twin daughters are about to reach the same age she was when she first became a mom. Aleeah is getting ready for her first homecoming, the classic high school dance—and Leah feels both proud and nostalgic as she observes how swiftly time has passed.
As any parent can understand, it’s a poignant moment when children begin to grow up and assume more responsibilities, and for Leah, it’s an opportunity to contemplate her own experiences as a mother. Leah shares her struggles with the reality that her twin daughters, Ali and Aleeah, are stepping into the dating scene. Specifically, Aleeah, who is now 15.
In an honest admission, Messer, now 32, revealed her feelings about her daughter’s new relationship. She voiced her worries and the difficulty she faces in fully embracing the situation. “I struggle to accept the entire relationship. At this point, it feels too young. Enjoy life, have fun, pursue your dreams and goals,” Messer candidly stated.
Leah Messer has her own history, which provides her with a distinct viewpoint on young love. She married at a very young age and faced the repercussions of entering serious relationships during her youth.
”I was married by the time I was 18 and had two marriages before I turned 20. I trust that they won’t fall into the same pattern, but it’s so easy to get caught in that cycle. An unplanned pregnancy can change everything,” she explains.
Her daughters’ current lives
Messer recognizes that teen pregnancies are not a new phenomenon in her family.
She reminisced about how both her mother and grandmother also went through teen pregnancies, which has influenced her perspective on early relationships and the difficulties that accompany them.
”I believe that 13, 14, and 15-year-olds should focus on their studies, enjoy themselves, and have a social life, rather than being tied down to a boyfriend,” she confesses.
Leah Messer acknowledges that the teenage years are meant for exploration and growth. Although she wasn’t ready for it, she understands that her daughters need to date and discover what they truly want in a relationship.
“I didn’t see it coming, but now it’s here. So, I suppose we’re stepping into the dating phase.”
The girls’ father also made a trip to Messer’s residence in Charleston, West Virginia, to see his daughters in their prom dresses before the big event.
During his visit, he laid down the traditional “dad rules”: behave, resist peer pressure, and maintain some space — no twerking or grinding.
A memorable night for Aleeah
A particularly touching moment in the episode occurs when Aleeah’s boyfriend arrives to take her to the dance. In a heartfelt scene, we witness Aleeah and her boyfriend exchanging friendly greetings with her parents, highlighting the teenager’s growing maturity and respect.
The boyfriend courteously acknowledges both Leah and the twins’ father, Corey Simms, before presenting Aleeah with a flower crown. This sweet and significant gesture marks an important milestone in her youth. For Leah, it’s a moment that reflects on how much her daughters have matured and how they are about to embark on the same journey she once did.
Following the dance, Messer organized an after-party in the basement. Aleeah invited friends over, while Ali, being more reserved, chose to spend a quiet evening at a friend’s place.
The girls changed into their pajamas, enjoyed pizza, and played games. “I want them to have a good time in a safe setting,” Messer shared on Teen Mom: The Next Chapter. She also noted that starting to work early had a significant impact on her development as a person.
Facing challenges with a rare muscle condition
Over the course of multiple seasons of the MTV show, audiences have witnessed Leah Messer’s battle for her daughter Ali. It was evident from the start that Ali was developing at a slower pace than her twin sister Aleeah, prompting her mother to consult with doctors and specialists to uncover the issue.
In 2014, young Ali received a diagnosis of a rare muscle disease, which sadly progressed as she aged.
It is a progressive degenerative disease. Therefore, we cannot predict what the future holds. However, I am certain that we will cherish every moment now and continue to create memories and make the most of it,” Leah expressed.
Years later, Ali, now 15, has grown significantly stronger both physically and mentally. She is deeply committed to equine therapy, which Leah believes has been crucial for her mental resilience. Ali’s growth and weight patterns have also shown improvement, instilling hope for her future.
What an amazing family! Your love, strength, and unity are genuinely inspiring. We wish you all the happiness and success in the days to come.
