“Please don’t invalidate a child’s feelings": Teen Mom’s Briana DeJesus defends her talk with Devoin

Briana DeJesus wants one thing above all else—for her daughters to feel seen, heard, and loved. After Thursday night’s emotional Teen Mom episode, the 30-year-old mom of two took to her Instagram to clear the air and stand up for her daughter, Nova.

“Please don’t invalidate a child’s feelings,”

Briana posted on her story:

“I was just the messenger on last night’s episode. I will always advocate for my children, whether you see it on TV or not.”

In the latest episode of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter, Briana sat down with Devoin Austin, Nova’s father, during a Thanksgiving gathering she hosted for both sides of the family. This decision came after Nova’s therapist suggested that being surrounded by both sides of her family could help the 13-year-old feel more secure.

What followed was an honest conversation between two parents trying to do what’s best for their child, even when it is not easy.

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Teen Mom shows real parenting talk during Briana and Devoin's conversation

The Teen Mom franchise has seen its fair share of dramatic moments, but this episode stood out for its quiet sincerity. Briana and Devoin stepped aside from the Thanksgiving celebration to have a serious chat about Nova’s mental health.

Briana gently began by asking if Devoin knew their daughter was attending therapy regularly. He admitted he wasn’t aware it had become consistent. That’s when Briana handed him a folder—Nova’s latest therapy evaluation.

“I want you to have it just so you can go over it, but basically in here saying how Nova... how you leaving affects her so bad. Like, really bad, like she wants you back home,” she said.

Devoin looked overwhelmed as he took in the news.

“I didn’t know she was going through all that. It hurts,” he said quietly.

“One party is more important than the other, and that’s Nova.”

This wasn’t about blame—it was about facing their shared responsibility and figuring out the next steps for their daughter’s healing.

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Nova’s voice takes center stage in this family moment

Nova didn’t appear in the scene, but her presence was felt in every word. Through her therapist, she expressed a simple yet powerful wish—to see her families united more often.

“She wants me to spend more time with your family. That’s why I set this all up,” Briana told Devoin.

And Nova’s feelings go beyond holiday gatherings. According to her mom, she’s been expressing her hurt in quiet ways. For instance, Devoin noticed that Nova stopped responding to his texts. Briana brought this up with her daughter, who admitted she was angry and that ignoring her dad was her way of showing it.

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Why this Teen Mom episode struck a chord with so many

This episode of Teen Mom didn’t rely on explosive arguments or big reveals. Instead, it focused on something just as important—emotional honesty.

The talk between Briana and Devoin reflected what many real-life co-parents deal with: trying to make the right choices even when circumstances change. It showed how children can be deeply affected by their parents’ decisions, even when those decisions make sense.

It also reminded viewers of a key truth: kids’ emotions are valid, and acknowledging them is the first step toward healing.

“It’s up to us parents to try to help her heal and all the mistakes that we’ve made,” Briana said.

In a show often full of drama, this was a quieter moment—but one that left a lasting impact.

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As expected, Teen Mom fans had a lot to say after the episode aired. Some praised Briana for being vulnerable and prioritizing her daughter. Others defended Devoin, pointing out that he’s trying and showing up.

Briana welcomed both reactions but didn’t hold back from saying,

“We will support him but we will also hold him accountable!”

The scene showed that parenting isn’t about being perfect. It’s about showing up, having hard conversations, and listening—especially when it’s uncomfortable.

And Teen Mom continues to offer a lens into these real-life family dynamics that many can relate to.