Kristen Bell says raising daughters through puberty is brutal

Kristen Bell has opened up about the emotional challenges of raising two daughters as they navigate puberty, admitting that the experience can be overwhelming and often leaves her in tears.

The Nobody Wants This star, 46, shares daughters Lincoln, 13, and Delta, 11, with her husband, actor Dax Shepard. Speaking candidly about parenting, Bell explained that being a celebrity does not make the difficulties of raising children any easier.

“Do not think because I am on your television that it is easy for me,” Bell said. “It’s brutal. I cry weekly.”

The actress acknowledged that puberty can be a particularly challenging period for both parents and children. As young people experience emotional, physical and developmental changes, families may find themselves facing situations they never expected.

Bell explained that parents can sometimes feel isolated while dealing with their children’s behaviour during this stage. She noted that it is easy to believe other families are not experiencing the same struggles, even though many parents go through similar situations.

“Oftentimes when you’re in that cyclone of puberty, you could think, ‘My kid is the only one doing this,’” she said.

Despite the difficulties, Bell continues to find ways to navigate the challenges of motherhood while supporting her daughters as they grow older.

Kristen Bell prioritises her daughters’ privacy

Alongside discussing the realities of parenting, Bell also shared her approach to protecting her children’s privacy in the public eye.

The actress and Shepard have made a conscious decision not to reveal their daughters’ faces on social media. Whenever the children appear in online posts, their faces are either blurred or covered with heart emojis.

Bell explained that their approach to sharing family moments has evolved as their daughters have grown older and become more aware of the world around them.

“My main job in life is to protect those two,” she said.

The couple believes that sharing adorable moments involving young children is different from posting images of older children who may be more affected by public attention.

Bell explained that parents must reconsider their decisions as their children develop their own feelings, opinions and understanding of media exposure. For her, protecting her daughters’ emotional well-being and personal boundaries remains the priority.

She made it clear that her children’s needs come before the desire to share family moments publicly.

Actress celebrates daughter’s milestone birthday

Earlier this year, Bell celebrated Lincoln’s 13th birthday by sharing a special video montage on Instagram. The video featured moments from her daughter’s life and was accompanied by Amos Lee’s song Sweet Pea.

The actress also expressed gratitude to the people who had supported her and Shepard throughout their parenting journey. She acknowledged the importance of having a supportive community and learning from others as they raised their children.

Bell has previously shared glimpses of her family life, offering fans an insight into the experiences and challenges that come with raising two daughters.

During another interview earlier in the autumn, she revealed that her daughters sometimes share beauty products with her. However, they are not particularly enthusiastic about her fashion choices, highlighting the differences that can emerge as children develop their own preferences.

Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard encourage open conversations

Bell and Shepard married in 2013 and have frequently spoken about their commitment to maintaining an honest and open relationship with their daughters.

The couple has discussed their decision to have age-appropriate conversations about difficult subjects, including Shepard’s recovery journey. Bell believes that encouraging open communication can help children feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics with their parents.

The actress, who also voices Anna in the Frozen franchise, has previously emphasised that no subject should automatically be considered off-limits within their family.

As Lincoln and Delta continue growing up, Bell’s comments highlight the complicated balance between offering guidance, respecting independence and protecting children during an important stage of development.

Although she acknowledges that parenting through puberty can be emotionally exhausting, Bell remains focused on helping her daughters navigate these changes while ensuring they feel supported and protected.

Her candid admission that she cries weekly offers a relatable perspective on motherhood, reminding parents that even those who appear confident and successful in public can experience uncertainty and emotional struggles at home.