Dax Shepard Shares Controversial Parenting Decision He and Wife Kristen Bell Tell Their Daughters, 10 and 12

Netizens reacted to the Hollywood couple's unconventional parenting approach. While some supported how they raise their children, others expressed disapproval.

During a recent episode of “Armchair Expert with Dax Shepard,” featuring Seth Meyers as a guest, Dax Shepard revealed that he takes a different approach to parenting.

The actor admitted that he swears in front of his children, whom he shares with wife, Kristen Bell, "They are allowed to swear — not with impunity, but when it's called for and they land it. And it's in the house and not out at a restaurant, it's OK."

He added, "My defense of it is, I just told the girls, like, 'Hey, these are noises that come out of your mouth, and you assign what they mean to you.'"

After the revelation, social media users weighed in. One supporter wrote, "I fully believe this is okay. Teaching your kids when it's appropriate to do something and when it is not is a life lesson."

Another commenter shared mixed feelings, "I mean…with older kids, no big deal. But whenever I hear little ones cuss it makes me a bit sad. Like they've already lost some of their innocence. But I'd also never tell someone else how to parent."

Someone else observed, "You mean he teaches his children the meaning of things rather than just saying 'rules are rules because history says so.'"

Other people continued to share their thoughts, with one asking, "Wouldn't it be better to expand their vocabulary so they don't need to revert to meaningless bad language?"

"Because that's how you teach them to express themselves," another individual responded. A third person added, "totally agree its how you use it [sic]."

Someone else criticized the couple's approach, "Because they've let them do what they want their entire lives so now they have no control over them any more so its easier that way 😂 [sic]."

One user shared a different perspective, "My ears would ring if I heard my children swear in my home. It's about raising a child with class, respect, and dignity. I don't even swear in front of my parents, and I'm 31 years old."

While Shepard's podcast remarks stirred debate, Bell's own parenting philosophy highlights another side of their approach. The actress candidly shared in a June 2024 interview that she and her husband allow their two daughters — Lincoln, 12, and Delta, 10 — freedom and independence in their upbringing:

"I think there should be more risks taken by kids, within reason. I think that it builds so many survival skills."

Bell referred to Shepard's approach to teaching their daughters how to ride motorcycles and take part in off-roading. She admitted that, in the past, she would have been nervous watching them, but after seeing how carefully Shepard trains the girls, how skilled they are, and how much they enjoy it, her nerves have eased.

The mother of two also noted that their older daughter takes after Shepard, while their younger child is more like her. Bell described herself and her youngest as "wobbly people," in contrast to Shepard and their eldest, who are naturally adept with machinery. She added:

"I just don’t really think it's my place to stand in their way. When I see the risk assessment that it's teaching, I'm actually very grateful for it."

From the beginning of parenthood, Shepard and Bell agreed to grant their children free will. If their daughters wanted to try something and it would not result in serious injury, they would be allowed to explore it.

Additionally, the couple encourages their children to use physical activity as an outlet for managing emotions. "I have found that physical output is a real helper for regulating their emotions," Bell said.

She and Shepard are not only on the same page when it comes to parenting, but they also support each other. As previously reported, Shepard celebrated his wife Bell's Emmy nomination in a way only he could. By posting a cheeky tribute on July 16, 2025, he has lit up the internet with praise, confusion, and a fair share of raised eyebrows.

On Wednesday, Shepard shared the lighthearted post on Instagram, congratulating Bell on her nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in "Nobody Wants This."

The post featured a photo of Bell in nothing but socks. The "Bad Moms" actress appeared to be in a compromising but playful upside-down position as part of a humorous training routine. The caption read:

"People might not know everything that happens behind the scenes in order to create an Emmy nominated performance like Kristen's. This may or may not have been a part of her training, but it felt right. CONGRATULATIONS!!!!! [sic]"

The couple, known for their candid and quirky public persona, quickly drew a flurry of attention online. Many fans applauded Shepard's unfiltered admiration for his wife, while others were more skeptical of the tone and image shared.

One Instagram fan praised the actor, commenting, "Well that's awesome to see a man unequivocally and completely supportive of his wife in all aspects of her life work, play and more!! Congrats [sic]."

Still, others questioned the appropriateness of the post. One Instagrammer wrote, "Honestly this feels like a Ryan Reynolds type post .... The ones where he embarrasses his wife or crops her out. I don't love it. Hope she's ok with it. (And she doesn't have to be ok with it)."

Another echoed, "This is not something you should post with young girls at home…I love you but this sends the most inappropriate message to young children."

One netizen tried to diffuse the tension with humor, saying, "She's not naked people.... she CLEARLY has socks on! 🙄 God forbid a girl have a hobby," but one felt the post crossed a line, "Isn't that personal??? GROSS you guys. 🤮🤢🤮"

The buzz extended to Facebook, where TMZ's coverage of the post fueled a fresh wave of commentary. "How embarrassing for her kids. Does she realize this is fodder for their kid's [sic] classmates," one comment read.

Another simply called it, "TACKY." Still, one Facebook fan defended the post's intent, "I love his energy & as long as she's comfortable with these images, I think they're stunning."

The post comes on the heels of "Nobody Wants This" scoring three Emmy nominations for Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress, and Outstanding Lead Actor.

The show's official Instagram celebrated the news with the caption, "Everybody wants this kind of love. 💕 Thank you to the Television Academy for honoring Nobody Wants This with 3 Emmy Award nominations including Outstanding Comedy Series, Outstanding Lead Actress - Kristen Bell, and Outstanding Lead Actor - Adam Brody! [sic]"

Bell herself reacted to the nominations with enthusiasm in her own Instagram post, "- finding out I was nominated for an Emmy - finding out @erinfoster was nominated for an Emmy!!!!"

This isn't the first time Shepard and Bell's openness has made headlines. The couple, married since 2013, have long embraced transparency about their relationship journey. From early breakups to therapy, they've spoken candidly about the work they put into their marriage.

In an exclusive interview with People Magazine in 2019, Shepard said, "We definitely had to work really hard at being a couple because we're both incredibly, painfully stubborn, and we're pretty much opposites.” Bell added, "Big time."

Although the two had an undeniable chemistry, their road to marriage was a rocky one. The "Parenthood" actor, who wasn't ready for marriage at the time, broke up with Bell during their relationship. But, days later, he changed his mind and they reunited.

He recalled, "I was like, 'That's the best personality I've ever seen on a woman. I need to be around it." He added, "I want to be around it when I'm 80, but how?" The answer was trust and "a little couple's therapy," and a meaningful compromise.

Knowing his thoughts on marriage, the "The Good Place" actress accepted that she would never be his wife, but still trusted him:

"I had surrendered, like 'Okay, well, I'm never going to get any sort of traditional marriage out of this, and that's okay because I trust him.' I really, really trusted him and believed that we were going to go the long haul."

Despite their differing views on marriage, Shepard proposed in 2009. He said, "Ultimately, I was like, 'Well, I'm doing it because my partner wants that." Now, the couple shares two children.

Their unconventional approach, complete with humor, heartfelt honesty, and occasional viral moments, continues to fascinate fans. Whether viewers laughed or cringed at Shepard's congratulatory post, it's clear the couple is still writing their own rules.