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Kristen Bell

Why Kristen Bell defends spending Mother's Day without her kids

Bell, who shares two daughters with husband Dax Shepard, opened up about her decision to celebrate the holiday without her children.

May 11, 2026Updated May 12, 2026, 8:12 a.m. ET

Kristen Bell isn't a "Bad Mom." She just knows what she wants.

The Emmy-nominated actress, who shares two children with husband and fellow actor Dax Shepard, opened up about her decision to celebrate Mother's Day without her kids in an Instagram post Sunday, May 10.

Bell and Shepard welcomed their first child, daughter Lincoln, in 2013, followed by daughter Delta in 2014.

"Six years ago, my husband asked me what I actually wanted for Mother's Day — not what I thought a good mom was supposed to say," Bell, 45, wrote. "He told me to close my eyes and think about what I'd actually want if I could have anything. I said: spa day with my mom friends, at home (very me), no logistics, no setup, no cleanup."

Bell's post included a video compilation of her spa day celebration, which featured clips of the "Nobody Wants This" star and her friends indulging in relaxing activities such as massages, pedicures and eating pastries.

"Father's Day has this culturally accepted 'see you later, I'm golfing' energy. And nobody questions it," Bell continued. "Meanwhile, Mother's Day comes with runny eggs and soggy pancakes made with so much love you have to smile through every bite. Which is also beautiful! But also… not quite a day off."

Bell also gave a shout-out to Shepard for "taking the kids" and helping set up her mom "rager."

"Being a mom is the best thing I've ever done," Bell concluded. "Today my husband made sure the world moms me back."

Moms cheer on Kristen Bell's Mother's Day post

Bell's Mother's Day candor struck a chord on social media, with several moms taking to the comments section to applaud her solo celebration.

"Are you in the market for any more mom friends?" @cat_echisms wrote.

"I sent my runny eggs back to the kitchen this morning and refused to [be] bothered by the side eye I got from [my husband] in return," @haleyscrew wrote.

"Honestly, this seems like the best use of Mother's Day I've ever heard??!" @knz_lntz34 commented.

Dax Shepard, left, and Kristen Bell attend the 83rd annual Golden Globe Awards at The Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hills, California, on Jan. 11, 2026.

Other commenters praised Shepard for genuinely prioritizing Bell's desires on the holiday.

"That boy was raised well," @lauralabo344 wrote.

"We don't care what Cher says. Dax is the best, and we can see it!" @barndogflowerfarm commented. "This looks like a dream!"

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