Dax Shepard Discusses Parenting Choices

Dax Shepard is okay with his daughters being a bit rude in certain situations. On a recent episode of his podcast, Armchair Expert, Shepard, who shares daughters Lincoln, 12, and Delta, 10, with wife Kristen Bell, talked about why he lets his kids push back against adults.

He mentioned that friends have expressed concern, noting how the girls’ behavior seems “un-Southern.” Shepard shared a conversation where a friend remarked that it appears his children lack respect. “You’re absolutely right,” he acknowledged, admitting that while they talk back, he understands it may seem a bit overboard.

However, he emphasized his priorities: he wants his daughters to stand up for themselves, especially in situations where they might face difficult authority figures in the future. “I want them to be rude and to defend themselves, whether I think they’re justified or not,” Shepard said.

Kristen Bell, meanwhile, said she’s open to addressing how others view their parenting choices, even if they see the girls’ behavior as, let’s say, embarrassing. “I can handle it,” she noted, highlighting that as a woman, she has certain expectations for her kids.

This isn’t the first time the couple has attracted criticism. In 2023, Bell faced backlash for allowing their children to drink non-alcoholic beer, and they discussed the fallout on their podcast. Shepard pointed out that Bell’s comments on her talk show didn’t sit well with some people. “They’re not our kids, so we’re allowed to feel upset about that,” Bell remarked. “I don’t care what people think because they aren’t my children.”

Shepard, bringing some statistics into the discussion, noted that orange juice actually contains a bit of alcohol, while non-alcoholic beer has none. “To me, what’s charming about you is that you rely on facts and logic,” Bell commented. Yet she acknowledges that anger often arises regardless of context.

Bells said she becomes defensive when critics imply she is a bad mom. In response to those who disagree with their parenting style, she firmly stated, “I won’t change based on others’ opinions. This is our family, and it’s nobody else’s business.”