Dax Shepard shares the primary stressor in his marriage to Kristen Bell

Dax Shepard has opened up about the primary factor that creates tension in his marriage to Kristen Bell, pointing directly to the challenges of raising children who are growing up. The actor and podcast host shared the personal details during an episode of his Armchair Expert podcast while appearing alongside guests Erin and Sara Foster.

Shepard explained that while he and Bell have generally been effective at managing their relationship issues over the course of their 19 years together, parenting two daughters who are going through puberty has introduced a major stressor. He noted that the transition throws their family dynamic into an entirely new zone that requires constant re-evaluation.

Reflecting on different stages of childhood, the Parenthood alum stated that parenting is exceptionally difficult when children are very little because caregivers worry intensely about making the correct choices. He added that there is a more comfortable sweet spot between age six and puberty when compromises seem to function smoothly, before shifting dynamics require brand new strategies that they do not always initially agree on.

The actor admitted that he and Bell occasionally butt heads over stressful parenting choices, which creates additional pressure in the household. He remarked that without children, their lives might be much smoother, though he clarified that they do not scream or swear at each other during disagreements.

According to Shepard, unresolved tension sometimes gets kicked down the road for days at a time. The couple often has to search for enough free space and air in a busy household without the kids present to finally sit down and mount a serious conversation about lingering issues.

Since getting together in 2007 and marrying in 2013, Shepard and Bell have frequently discussed personal aspects of their relationship and family dynamic publicly. Bell recently mentioned in an interview that she navigates the emotional balance of motherhood and public life openly to help other parents, while keeping her primary focus on protecting her daughters Lincoln and her sibling.

Both actors have previously made headlines for unconventional parenting admissions. Bell has spoken about topics ranging from letting her children use curse words to serving non-alcoholic beverages, while Shepard previously explained his approach to encouraging his daughters to advocate for themselves and push back against authority figures if necessary.

While the couple continues to face the evolving hurdles of parenthood, Shepard's recent comments offer another candid look into how they work through disagreements and adapt to each new phase of family life together.