Kristen Bell Opens Up About Discussing Death With Her Children

How do we explain the concept of death to children? This profound question is one that many parents grapple with, and actress Kristen Bell has shared her approach to tackling this sensitive topic. In a recent interview with E! News, the 43-year-old star spoke candidly about her conversations with her daughters, Lincoln, 11, and Delta, 9, regarding the delicate subject of mortality. Bell, along with her husband Dax Shepard, emphasizes honesty and openness in their parenting style, steering away from deception, even when faced with tough questions.

During the interview, Bell recounted a pivotal moment when her daughter asked, "What happens when we die?" This question prompted a thoughtful exchange between Bell and Shepard as they considered how best to respond. They ultimately decided to answer honestly, stating, “We don’t know. You might just become flowers, but you might end.” This revelation is part of their commitment to fostering a transparent dialogue about difficult subjects.

Despite the weight of the conversation, Bell noted that her daughter handled the response surprisingly well. Bell reflected on the experience, stating, “She cried for a minute. Then she went: ‘Okay.’ I still can’t believe we got through that.” This highlights the importance of engaging children in meaningful discussions, even about challenging topics like death.

Understanding Kristen Bell's Parenting Approach

Kristen Bell's parenting philosophy is centered around open communication and honesty. She believes that children should be equipped to handle tough conversations, which is essential for their emotional development. Bell shared that her daughters have also asked questions about where babies come from, leading to humorous moments where their interest waned as soon as the conversation became too detailed.

Bell explained, “One kid asked us, and Dax started explaining how the sperm meets the ovum. And truly, within 30 seconds, she had walked outside because she was so bored.” This anecdote illustrates a common reality for parents: keeping kids engaged during educational discussions can be a challenge!

The Importance of Honest Conversations with Children

Throughout her parenting journey, Bell has emphasized the value of addressing subjects that many would consider taboo. During an earlier interview with Real Simple, she mentioned discussing topics like drug addiction and sex openly with her children. Bell's husband, Dax Shepard, has a history of substance use, making these discussions even more pertinent in their family.

She stated, “I know it’s shocking, but I talk to my kids about drugs, and the fact that their daddy is an addict and he’s in recovery.” By sharing her family’s vulnerabilities, Bell aims to foster an environment of trust and openness, allowing her children to feel safe asking questions about difficult topics.

Key Takeaways from Kristen Bell's Parenting Style

• Openly discussing difficult topics such as death fosters emotional intelligence in children.
• Honesty is crucial; children appreciate transparency over sugarcoated answers.
• Engaging children in conversations helps them process complex feelings and ideas.
• Humor can ease the discomfort surrounding serious discussions, making them more relatable.
• Creating a safe space for discussions about taboo subjects encourages children to express their thoughts and feelings.

Conclusion

Kristen Bell's approach to parenting highlights the importance of engaging with children on difficult subjects like death and addiction. By fostering open communication, she not only provides her daughters with the tools to understand complex emotions but also creates lasting bonds built on trust. As parents navigate these tough conversations, Bell's insights offer valuable lessons on the power of honesty and vulnerability in raising emotionally intelligent children.