Dax Shepard Says Raising Teens with Wife Kristen Bell Has Been a ‘Stressor’ in Their Marriage

Dax Shepard has candidly opened up about the challenges of parenting his two teenage daughters, Lincoln, aged 13, and Delta, aged 11, with wife Kristen Bell. In a recent episode of his podcast, *Armchair Expert*, the actor discussed how the transition into adolescence has affected their relationship.

During the podcast, which aired on 28th October, 2023, Shepard was engaging with guests Erin and Sara Foster when the conversation turned to the dynamics of his marriage amid the pressures of raising teenagers. The couple, who have been together for nearly 19 years, strive to maintain a harmonious environment despite the inevitable disagreements around parenting.

Shepard described the unique challenges brought on by their daughters entering puberty. He remarked, “We have a lot of s—t though. We have two children, and they are going through puberty, and that stressor… it throws the whole dynamic into a new zone that you have to figure out. ‘Okay, how do we now navigate this?’”

He reflected on the earlier stages of parenthood, sharing how daunting it can be when children are very young. “It’s really hard when they’re really little because you care so much about the decisions you’re making with the kid,” he explained. “You’re certain you can f—k it up.” His honesty resonates with many parents who feel the weight of responsibility during formative years.

Despite the hurdles, the couple manages to come to agreements, even if they do occasionally “butt heads” on specific issues related to their daughters. The star clarified that disagreements don’t escalate to shouting matches or swearing: “We don’t scream at each other or swear at each other,” he confirmed.

Shepard elaborated on the phases of parenting, indicating a noticeable transition. “There’s a sweet spot between, like, six and puberty,” he noted. This period seemed to be more straightforward, where compromises felt more manageable. However, with the onset of adolescence, he remarked, new challenges arise, necessitating fresh strategies for parenting.

Moreover, he revealed that he and Bell sometimes defer significant conversations about their children for days at a time. “We’ll kick something down the road for a week,” he admitted. “We’ll go to bed for a week where it’s like, we’re gonna have to talk about this eventually.” This candid acknowledgment reflects the reality of navigating a busy family life and the need for timing in discussions about important issues.

In terms of their family dynamics, Shepard expressed a belief that life might be simpler without children, suggesting that the stress would likely be lower. Yet, he seemed to appreciate the depth and complexity added by his daughters. The rich experiences of parenthood bring their own rewards and challenges.

In recent weeks, Shepard also took to Instagram to share glimpses of family life, posting pictures from a summer trip to a lake in Tennessee. The images feature their daughters enjoying time on a boat, showcasing the light-hearted moments they cherish despite the pressures of teenage years. He captioned the post with a heartfelt, “Dream summer ❤️❤️❤️❤️,” highlighting the joyful memories they create together as a family.

As Dax Shepard navigates the complexities of raising teenagers, his honesty and vulnerability about his experiences offer valuable insights for others facing similar battles. His reflections serve as a reminder that while the journey may be fraught with challenges, shared love and communication remain key components in fostering a loving family environment.