Josh Duhamel on the Realities of Raising an Almost Teen — Including First Dates and Getting Him Ready to Drive (Exclusive)

Josh Duhamel Talks Parenting an Almost Teenager: First Dates and Driving

Josh Duhamel recently sat down with PEOPLE for an exclusive interview where he shared his experiences in parenting his almost-teenage son. The actor’s eldest son, Axl, is about to turn 12 this month, and Duhamel is navigating the challenges of raising a pre-teen, including first dates and preparing for driving milestones.

As a father of two, with Axl being his son with ex Fergie and a younger son, Shepherd, aged 18 months, with his wife Audra Mari, Duhamel is juggling the different stages of parenting. He revealed that Axl recently went to camp and developed a crush on a girl he met there, leading to discussions about parent-supervised interactions and the complexities of early romantic interests.

In a light-hearted moment, Duhamel joked about the contrast between his sons’ developmental stages, mentioning that while his toddler is still in diapers, his pre-teen is already showing interest in dating. This blend of humour and sincerity showcases the actor’s candid approach to discussing the ups and downs of parenthood.

Looking ahead, Duhamel is also bracing himself for the inevitable moment when Axl will start learning to drive. Like many parents, he anticipates feeling anxious about this milestone but is proactively preparing his son for the responsibilities that come with being behind the wheel. By introducing Axl to driving basics early on, Duhamel hopes to instil a sense of readiness and caution.

Aside from his personal experiences, Duhamel’s passion for cars has also influenced his latest collaboration with CarGurus on their new video series, The Big Deal Show. In this partnership, the actor delves into his love for cars and discusses the significance of owning and driving vehicles, especially from a nostalgic perspective.

Reflecting on his own journey with cars, Duhamel acknowledges how the role of vehicles has evolved for him over the years, from simple transportation needs in his youth to a deeper connection based on personal preferences and memories. Through his involvement with CarGurus, he aims to make the process of car ownership more accessible and meaningful for younger generations.

As he navigates the realms of parenting and personal interests, Duhamel’s candid insights offer a glimpse into the complexities and joys of family life. Balancing the milestones of childhood, such as first crushes and driving lessons, with professional collaborations that reflect his passions, the actor exemplifies a multifaceted approach to both his personal and professional endeavours.

In a world where celebrity parenting is often glamorised, Duhamel’s down-to-earth perspective serves as a reminder that even Hollywood stars face the everyday challenges of raising children. His willingness to share the highs and lows of fatherhood resonates with parents everywhere, creating a relatable narrative that transcends fame and fortune.

In conclusion, Josh Duhamel’s interview sheds light on the real-life experiences of navigating parenthood through different stages of a child’s growth. From humorous anecdotes to heartfelt discussions about preparing for significant life milestones, the actor’s outlook encompasses the universal themes of love, guidance, and resilience in the journey of raising a family.