Kristen Bell’s Kids: Inside The Unconventional ‘Free-Range’ Life Of Lincoln And Delta (Ages 11 & 9)
Few celebrity families share as much about their unique household rules and philosophies as Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard, and as of late 2024 and early 2025, their daughters, Lincoln and Delta, are growing up fast. The couple, known for their candid and humorous approach to marriage and parenting, have two girls: Lincoln, who is now 11, and Delta, who is 9. While the family famously prioritizes their children's privacy, recent interviews and rare photo glimpses have offered new insights into their lives, confirming that their "free-range" and "unconventional" parenting style is still very much in effect, focusing on independence, risk-taking, and radical honesty.
The core of the Bell-Shepard family life revolves around open communication and a commitment to showing up as imperfect parents. This philosophy has led to some surprising and headline-making decisions, such as letting their children roam a Danish amusement park alone and famously allowing them to swear under certain conditions. This deep dive explores the latest on Lincoln and Delta, their current ages, and the seven most fascinating aspects of their household's unique structure, providing a fresh look at one of Hollywood's most relatable families.
Kristen Bell & Dax Shepard: A Dual Biography of Hollywood's Most Candid Couple
The foundation of the family's life is the dynamic partnership between two accomplished actors who have successfully branched out into directing, writing, and podcasting. Their shared commitment to mental health, sobriety (for Dax Shepard), and transparent communication informs every facet of their parenting journey.
- Kristen Anne Bell
- Born: July 18, 1980 (Age 45 in 2025)
- Birthplace: Huntington Woods, Michigan, U.S.
- Key Roles/Entities: Veronica Mars, the voice of Anna in Disney's Frozen franchise, The Good Place, Forgetting Sarah Marshall.
- Accolades: Emmy Award nominations.
- Dax Randall Shepard
- Born: January 2, 1975 (Age 50 in 2025)
- Birthplace: Milford, Michigan, U.S.
- Key Roles/Entities: Parenthood, Without a Paddle, Writer/Director of Hit and Run, Host of the massively popular Armchair Expert podcast.
- Spouse: Kristen Bell (Married 2013)
Meet Lincoln (11) and Delta (9): The Bell-Shepard Daughters
Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard are famously protective of their children's faces and images in the media, a conscious decision to ensure their daughters get to choose how much of their lives are public. Despite this strict privacy rule, the couple often shares anecdotes about their personalities and milestones, providing a clear picture of their upbringing.
- Lincoln Bell Shepard
- Born: March 28, 2013
- Age in 2025: 11 years old.
- Current Status: She is the older sister, often described as having a strong, independent personality—a perfect fit for their free-range household.
- Delta Bell Shepard
- Born: December 19, 2014
- Age in 2025: 9 years old.
- Current Status: The younger daughter, whose name was a playful nod to the Delta Airlines flight that Kristen took while pregnant.
In a rare 2025 update, Kristen Bell spoke backstage at the SAG Awards, mentioning the girls and how they react to their parents' work, highlighting their growing awareness of their celebrity status. The family also recently shared a photo series of a family vacation that included activities like horseback riding, hiking, and whitewater rafting on the Snake River, emphasizing their love for active, outdoor experiences.
7 Unconventional Rules That Define Their Free-Range Parenting Style
The couple's approach is often labeled "free-range parenting," a style that encourages independence, self-reliance, and the ability to take calculated risks. Dax Shepard, in particular, has been candid on his Armchair Expert podcast about his laid-back approach, contrasting with Kristen's more structured nature.
1. The One Main Rule: Always Make Up in Front of the Kids
If there is one non-negotiable rule in the Bell-Shepard home, it’s this: they always apologize and reconcile in front of Lincoln and Delta. Kristen Bell has stated that modeling a healthy resolution to conflict is the single most important lesson they can teach. This shows the girls that disagreements are normal, but repairing the relationship is crucial. This entity—"making up in front of the kids"—is a cornerstone of their communicative philosophy.
2. Allowing 'Talking Back' and Open Debate
In a move that shocks many traditional parents, Dax and Kristen permit their daughters to "talk back." They view "talking back" not as disrespect, but as a necessary part of teaching their children to have a voice, articulate their feelings, and engage in a healthy debate. This practice is directly tied to their goal of raising confident, outspoken women who aren't afraid to challenge authority or express dissent.
3. The Freedom to Roam (The Danish Amusement Park Test)
Perhaps the most famous example of their free-range style came from a family trip to Denmark. Kristen Bell revealed on Jimmy Kimmel Live! that she and Dax allowed Lincoln and Delta to roam a Danish amusement park completely unsupervised. The decision was based on their belief in the girls' ability to navigate a safe environment and their desire to instill a deep sense of self-trust and independence. This "amusement park test" became a global talking point on the merits of free-range parenting.
4. Swearing is Allowed (With a Catch)
Dax Shepard publicly explained that their kids are allowed to swear, but only under one condition: it must be used appropriately to express a strong emotion, not directed at someone in anger. This nuanced rule teaches linguistic responsibility, differentiating between using a word for emphasis and using it as a verbal weapon. It's another example of their focus on context and emotional intelligence over blanket prohibition.
5. Teaching the 'Pillar' vs. 'Doormat' Metaphor
Kristen Bell has introduced a powerful metaphor to teach her daughters about personal boundaries and self-respect. She encourages them to be a "pillar" (someone who stands firm and supports others without being walked on), rather than a "doormat" or a "doormat with spikes" (someone who is either too passive or too aggressive). This entity is a key part of their emotional education, teaching them how to react to difficult situations and manage social conflict.
6. The 'Swap' System for Parental Roles
The couple openly discusses their dynamic where they sometimes "swap" roles, recognizing that one parent may be better equipped to handle a specific situation or phase. Dax, often the more laid-back parent, might step in when a situation requires a calm, empathetic approach, while Kristen might take the lead on more structured or logistical challenges. This flexibility ensures the girls receive the best support tailored to the moment.
7. Modeling Imperfection and Sobriety
Dax Shepard is publicly sober, and both he and Kristen Bell have been extremely transparent with their daughters about his past struggles and their commitment to his sobriety. This radical transparency, a core entity in their family life, aims to normalize imperfection and teach the girls that seeking help and maintaining health—mental and physical—is a sign of strength, not weakness. They are committed to modeling the behavior they want to see, including the vulnerability of apologizing when they make a mistake.
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