Teddi Mellencamp opens up about co-parenting: 'It’s so worth it'
The reality star is getting candid about her relationship with her stepdaughter's mom.
Teddi Mellencamp Arroyave is getting candid about her co-parenting journey.
Earlier this week, the "Real Housewives of Beverly Hills" star took to Instagram to share a message with her more than 990,000 followers, detailing her co-parenting experience with her stepdaughter's mom, Christina Mecklenburg.
Mellencamp's husband, Edwin Arroyave, and Mecklenburg share a 14-year-old daughter, Isabella. ellencamp and Arroyave also share two daughters and a son of their own.
The 41-year-old reality star paired her note with a photo of herself in a royal blue turtleneck sweater with a matching skirt, posing next to her daughter, Slate, along with Mecklenburg and Isabella.
"I got a lot of replies to my story this weekend about co-parenting," Mellencamp penned. " I think @christinamecklenburg and I can agree that it’s been a journey."
The daughter of music legend John Mellencamp explained that she and Mecklenburg have developed a friendship thanks to their shared love for Isabella.
"When I first reached out to get together with the girls, I was unsure of what would happen. But Christina’s acceptance is a true testament to the fact that we wanted to live in harmony and be our best for Bella," she said. "Now, after multiple times spent together, I consider her a friend and not just a 'co-parent,' because not only do we both love Bella, we want to learn and grow with each other."
Mellencamp concluded by urging her fans to "show vulnerability."
"If you ever have that feeling that you should make that call, send that invite, or show vulnerability, do it," she wrote. "It’s so worth it."
In the comments, fans praised Mellencamp for her "refreshing" maturity and modern approach to co-parenting.
"This is so refreshing and mature of you both. It can be so tricky to have a real friendship with your partner's ex — the mother of his child no less — but it's so important for your children to see. Well done! Thank you for sharing," one Instagram user weighed in.
"Aw, I love this! Always put the babies first," someone else wrote.
Another added: "This is wonderful and shows such maturity."
"Love this for all of you! Love your message also — so true!" a fan commented.
In November, fans applauded Mellencamp, dubbing her "mom of the year" after she shared a holiday-themed photo with Arroyave, and their four children wearing matching pajamas.
"One thing I love is dressing up in matching PJs and forcing the fam to watch a holiday movie," she captioned the family photo, paired with the caption "#MyFamilyLovesMe."
"Mama of the year. So cute! Love this," one person commented.
Another added: "So adorable! I want to do this with my fam next year."
"Love, love, love this," wrote another.
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