"Teen Mom: The Next Chapter" stars Maci Bookout and Ryan Edwards recently opened up on the Dad Up podcast about the significant strides they have made in their co-parenting relationship, particularly since Ryan achieved sobriety in 2023. Their discussions with hosts Bryan and Andrea Ward revealed a marked improvement in their dynamic, moving from frequent struggles to a more harmonious approach for the sake of their 16-year-old son, Bentley.

Ryan confirmed that his sobriety was the crucial first step in mending their relationship, stating he needed to become "someone that someone even wanted to be around or speak to." His journey to recovery followed multiple stints in rehab and a challenging period in 2023, which included several drug-related arrests and a near-fatal overdose. He admitted his biggest regret was prioritizing drugs over his child, acknowledging that his life had revolved around addiction and he "didn't know how to function without drugs" before getting sober. He has since had initial conversations with Bentley about his past addiction, explaining why he wasn't consistently present in his son's life, and is committed to answering any further questions Bentley may have.

Maci wholeheartedly agreed that Ryan's sobriety played a "massive role" in their progress, but she also emphasized her own parallel journey. She revealed that achieving a positive co-parenting environment required her to undertake substantial personal work, including through Al-Anon. Maci recognized that she had to re-evaluate her role as Bentley's mother, admitting that for a long time she incorrectly believed Ryan's relationship with Bentley was solely between them, thereby negating her own influence. Through her self-reflection, she learned to focus on what she could control, prioritize her mental health, and process past anger, ultimately finding her desired identity as a mom and co-parent.

The positive shift in their relationship was evident during the most recent season of "Teen Mom: The Next Chapter," particularly when Ryan and his fiancée Amanda Conner joined Maci and her husband Taylor McKinney to purchase a vehicle for Bentley's sixteenth birthday. Maci noted that Bentley has always deserved this level of cohesive co-parenting, but now, for the first time, it rests on a solid foundation. She explained that unlike past periods of superficial peace, they are now taking their time, allowing the co-parenting dynamic to develop authentically and moving forward only in directions they are genuinely comfortable with.

Addressing disagreements, Maci shared that they are rare, largely because Bentley is an easy child to parent. When issues do arise, her approach is rooted in the understanding that it's about Bentley's best interest, not about her or Ryan. Ryan expressed his concern about not disrupting the stable environment Maci and Taylor had built for Bentley upon his return to his son's life. Maci praised Ryan for successfully creating a unique and safe space for him and Bentley to bond, allowing their relationship to develop independently without constant external intervention. She noted that Bentley is still discovering his own identity as he grows, and Ryan has done a commendable job in providing that secure environment.

Maci consistently praised Ryan for his commitment to Bentley, highlighting his newfound confidence and dedication to his family. She particularly commended him for not shying away from difficult conversations and for taking accountability for his past actions. Maci believes that witnessing Ryan overcome addiction and show pride in his recovery provides Bentley with invaluable tools for navigating his own future challenges. Furthermore, Maci addressed past advice to cut off communication with Ryan and his family during his active addiction, explaining that she refused to do so, recognizing it would not only separate Bentley from his father but also from his paternal family. Despite challenging times, she maintained that cutting them off "was never an option" because she would never intentionally remove her child from their family connections, emphasizing the importance of always leaving the door open.