I get what you're saying, about things being simplified by Tobias talking to his mom, but he was still afraid of her at that point. It was a transformation in his character that made him not only face that fear, but also forgive her for abandoning him.
Although, I do think there were several holes in this series, I don't think that was one of them.
Although, I do think there were several holes in this series, I don't think that was one of them.