Teen Mom’s Jenelle Evans Shares Details on Jace’s Relocation to Florida with His Dad
Teen Mom alum Jenelle Evans is standing by her choice to let Jace reside with his father, Andrew Lewis.
“You may view this as a negative situation, but those who know us see it as a positive step for him,” Evans, 33, shared via TikTok on Tuesday, May 13. “You can criticize all you want. You can say I’m not caring for my kids. Being a mother means prioritizing your child’s best interests, and that’s exactly what I’m doing.”
Earlier this week, it was reported that Jace, 15, traveled to Florida to live with his father, who has largely been absent during his childhood.
In her recent TikTok post, Evans — who currently lives in Las Vegas — discussed needing assistance as Jace grapples with mental health challenges.
“He received an ADHD diagnosis at the age of 10, and most recently, in 2023, he was also diagnosed with major depressive disorder alongside ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder (ODD),” she elaborated. “Dealing with ODD is particularly challenging. Kids may act out intentionally to seek attention. They often lack remorse and empathy for their actions.”
According to the Mayo Clinic, ODD encompasses a persistent pattern of anger, irritability, and defiance towards parents and other authority figures.
Evans referred to her son’s mental health challenges as a “family secret” that many relatives kept hidden for years.
“We didn’t want to bring it to the media’s attention because it was Jace’s privacy,” she stated. “However, after multiple incidents over the years, it became clear something had to change.”
Evans remembered the moment she reached out to Lewis, tearfully requesting help during a panic attack. Together, they agreed that it was in Jace’s best interest to move to Florida to spend time with his father and grandmother.
@jenellelevans Maybe some of you moms can relate to my story ❤️ #ADHD #ODD #MentalHealthAwareness
“We’ve tried every possible solution,” Evans — who also has Kaiser, 10, with ex-boyfriend Nathan Griffith and Ensley, 8, with estranged husband David Eason — added. “At this point, it’s crucial for him to be in a supportive environment across both households.”
Jace has made headlines in the past for running away or going missing.
Some fans expressed confusion about why Evans’ mother Barbara was granted temporary custody of Jace before Evans regained custody. In her latest TikTok, Evans mentioned that her mother “couldn’t handle it anymore.”
Looking ahead, Evans is hopeful that she and Lewis can work together to foster a safe environment for their son.
“I believe that effective coparenting requires both families to unite in addressing these challenges before they escalate into adulthood… it’s genuinely important,” Evans stated. “I’ve set aside all the drama and said, ‘Let’s just do this.’”
