Why Kristen Bell defends spending Mother’s Day without her kids
Kristen Bell is not a “Bad Mom.” She simply is aware of what she desires.
The Emmy-nominated actress, who shares two youngsters with husband and fellow actor Dax Shepardopened up about her resolution to have fun Mother’s Day without her kids in an Instagram post Sunday, May 10.
Bell and Shepard welcomed their first little one, daughter Lincoln, in 2013, adopted 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 publish included a video compilation of her spa day celebration, which featured clips of the “Nobody Wants This” star and her associates indulging in stress-free actions similar to massages, pedicures and consuming 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 additionally gave a shout-out to Shepard for “taking the kids” and serving to arrange her mother “rager.”
“Being a mom is the best thing I’ve ever done,” Bell concluded. “Today my husband made sure the world moms me back.”
Kristen Bell interview: Actress talks Actor Awards
Moms cheer on Kristen Bell’s Mother’s Day publish
Bell’s Mother’s Day candor struck a chord on social media, with a number of mothers taking to the feedback part 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 wishes on the vacation.
“That boy was raised well,” @lauralabo344 wrote.
“We don’t care what Cher says. Dax is the very best, and we will see it!” @barndogflowerfarm commented. “This looks like a dream!”
This article initially appeared on USA TODAY: Kristen Bell defends Mother’s Day celebration without kids