Briana DeJesus Says It's Important Daughters Stella and Nova 'Feel Heard and Seen' as They Grow (Exclusive)

• Briana DeJesus is shifting into a new stage in her parenting journey as the "primary caretaker" to daughters Stella, 6½, and Nova, 12, with less help than ever
• The mom of two, 30, tells PEOPLE this season of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter follows a difficult season for her family
• Despite the hardships, Briana is optimistic about the future, especially for her girls

Briana DeJesus is opening up about keeping her head up amid a "difficult" season.

Speaking with PEOPLE about the new season of Teen Mom: The Next Chapter, the mom of two, 30, admits it's "by far, the hardest season yet for me."

"Viewers will get to see the raw, uncensored side of our family," Briana tells PEOPLE. "You will see us try to navigate new levels of hardship.

With ex Devoin Austin moving out of state and tension with mom Roxanne, Briana navigates "really parenting alone."

"I try to co-parent with Devoin the best way I know how to, but I am the primary caretaker. Luis is MIA," she says of her exes. Luis Hernandez is dad to Stella, 6½. while Austin is dad to Nova, 12.

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Instead of focusing on those relationships and their difficulties, Briana is keeping her eyes on her girls and their future as a family.

"As the girls get older, they start to voice their own opinions and feelings about things. I always make sure they feel heard and seen," she says.

The proud mom is happy to see her "brilliant" girls thriving, adding, "They shine so bright!"

"Nova loves to draw, sing, and play volleyball. Stella loves to get into my makeup bag and spends hours sniffing the perfect perfume to buy," she laughs.

This summer, Briana and her girls "have a whole list of fun things to do."

"From visiting local markets to going to theme parks, we've got a lot going on. We're even going on a cruise!"

While there can be "difficult" moments for the mom of two, she's proud of her continuing development as a mom and the relationship she shares with her girls.

Asked what her 16-year-old self would think of how she parents today, Briana says, "I had no idea this is where we would be after I joined 16 & Pregnant. I think my 16-year-old self would be so proud!"

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Excited to continue sharing her journey on Teen Mom, Briana also credits the cast and crew for helping in her growth.

"I want to show my gratitude to everyone who works and has worked for this docu-series. It hasn’t been easy sharing my story, but they have helped me in ways I'll forever be thankful for," she says.