Dax Shepard has shared insights into the difficulties of parenting children entering puberty, describing it as a significant "stressor" that alters family dynamics. Shepard, 51, spoke about the topic on his podcast "Armchair Expert," detailing how his daughters, Lincoln, 13, and Delta, 11, are entering a phase that requires a "new strategy" for him and his wife, Kristen Bell.
Bell, 46, recently admitted in an interview with Bustle magazine that she cries weekly due to the challenges of parenthood and marriage. Shepard echoed these sentiments, noting that while he and Bell have become adept at handling relationship issues over their 19 years together, the transition into their daughters' teenage years presents a fresh set of hurdles.
"It throws the whole dynamic into a new zone that you have to figure out, 'Okay, how do we now navigate this?'" Shepard explained. He contrasted this stage with earlier years, recalling a "sweet spot between, like, six and puberty" when compromise felt more manageable. "And then a whole new situation comes in and you're like, 'F**k, well, now we need a new strategy and I don't know that we always agree.' And then there's more stress."
Despite the heightened stress, Shepard emphasized that he and Bell do not engage in yelling or harsh language with each other. He mentioned being mindful of his naturally loud speaking voice due to his physical presence in the house.
However, the couple does admit to a tendency to postpone difficult conversations. "We'll go to bed for sure for like, we'll kick something down the road for a week," Shepard said. "We'll go to bed for a week where it's like, 'Mmm we're gonna have to talk about this eventually.'"
He described the scenario of waiting for opportune moments to discuss sensitive topics, noting the challenge of finding uninterrupted time. "What day will that be? When will there be enough free air in the f**king room without the kids to mount this?" he questioned, adding that even during moments of reprieve from child-related duties, the decision to address a looming talk can be daunting.
Bell has previously spoken about the intensity of her role as a mother, telling Bustle that the experience is "brutal" and that she cries frequently. She also highlighted the importance of protecting her children's privacy, a stance that has evolved since they were younger and she was more comfortable sharing aspects of their lives publicly. "For the good of the people, we should share our dirty stories, we should share our shame, we should share our hardships. But for the good of the one? My main job in life is to protect those two."
Shepard and Bell married in October 2013. They have a household rule that any arguments must be resolved visibly in front of their children to model healthy conflict resolution.