What Is Free-Range Parenting? Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell Open Up
When it comes to parenting, Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell are doing things a little differently – and people are definitely noticing.
The celebrity couple has been open about their approach to raising kids, and it’s turning plenty of heads, especially after Shepard recently shared that their children are allowed to ride motorcycles around the neighborhood. Yes, you read that right – motorcycles.
Before you picture complete chaos, there’s actually a method behind the madness. This Dax Shepard parenting style isn’t about letting kids run wild but, rather, about trusting them to make choices, learn from experience, and develop confidence – an approach known as free-range parenting.
Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell Are Embracing Free-Range Parenting. What Is That?
Free-range parenting is about giving kids more independence and fewer restrictions. The idea is simple: the more chances kids have to solve problems and navigate the world on their own, the better they’ll handle life’s inevitable curveballs.
It’s the opposite of the so-called helicopter parenting style, where adults hover over every decision and step.
For Dax and Kristen, it means letting their children explore their neighborhood, figure out how to get home, and even, in this case, ride motorcycles under their own steam.
Shepard explained on his Armchair Expert podcast that he tells his kids, "Do whatever you want. I trust you, you know how to get home. You know how to flag a stranger." Sounds bold, but experts like author and social psychologist Jonathan Haidt actually think this kind of trust is the secret ingredient to raising resilient kids.
Why Are Parents Rethinking Supervision?
This Kristen Bell and Dax Shepard parenting philosophy isn’t about being careless; it’s about being intentional. They’re not the only parents who believe that overprotecting your kids can do more harm than good.
Those parents might say that, if children never have the chance to face challenges or take small risks, they miss out on developing crucial life skills like problem-solving, decision-making, and self-confidence.
Lenore Skenazy, author of Free-Range Kids, put it best when she said kids lose something important when they’re constantly supervised. Being too hands-on can leave them feeling powerless, and that’s the last thing any parent wants.
Free Range Parenting: Pros and Cons
Of course, no parenting style is perfect. Like any method, there are free-range parenting pros and cons to weigh before letting your kids roam too far.
The Pros:
Kids learn how to solve problems on their own.
They build confidence and independence early.
They’re more likely to develop strong social skills and resilience.
The Cons:
There’s always a risk of injury or danger, especially without supervision.
Depending on where you live, local laws might limit how much freedom you can give your child.
It can be nerve-wracking for parents used to more control.
Some states even have legal age restrictions about when children can be left alone. For example, Illinois and Oregon require kids to be 14 and 10, respectively, before they can legally stay home unsupervised.
So, while free-range parenting can sound like the dream of carefree childhoods, it’s still important to know your state’s guidelines.
Finding Balance in a Digital Age
Interestingly, while Dax and Kristen are laid back about their kids riding motorcycles, they’re surprisingly strict when it comes to screens.
Their kids don’t have smartphones but are allowed to use iPods with heavy restrictions – no games, no social media, and plenty of time offline. Shepard admitted he was worried about his kids becoming obsessed with tech but, instead, they often forget to even charge their devices.
How Much Freedom Is the Right Amount?
Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell’s parenting approach might not be for everyone, but it’s sparking a conversation many parents are now having: how much freedom is the right amount?
Letting kids roam, make mistakes, and build their own sense of direction (sometimes literally) might just prepare them better for the real world.
In truth, kids aren’t fragile. They’re more like rubber than stone. At such a resilient stage of life, now might be the best time for them to face new challenges instead of avoiding them.
Whether you’re handing over the house keys, allowing a solo walk to the park, or just letting your kiddos climb that extra-tall tree, know that free-range parenting is about trust, growth, and maybe – like the Shepards – a little bit of adventure.