During a recent episode of his popular podcast, Armchair Expert, Shepard recounted a conversation with his 10-year-old daughter regarding Sabrina Carpenter and her hit song “Juno” from the much-anticipated 2024 album, Quick n’ Candy. The discussion highlighted the challenges parents face when addressing mature themes in music with their children.

The song “Juno” has captured attention not just for its catchy tune but also for its playful nod to the iconic 2007 film of the same name, where Elliot Page’s character navigates teenage pregnancy with her boyfriend, played by Michael Cera. As part of her performances during the Quick ‘n’ Candy tour, Carpenter’s dance moves have sparked both acclaim and criticism, showcasing a blend of artistry and controversy that resonates with audiences worldwide.

Shepard shared that he and Delta often listen to Carpenter’s album during their drives to school. This routine provided the perfect backdrop for a deep conversation about the meaning and implications of Delta’s favorite track. As they navigated the nuances of the song, Shepard aimed to help his daughter understand the complexities involved in its themes.

During their discussion, Delta asked, “But do you know what Juno is?” To which Shepard initially responded with uncertainty. She explained, “Well, it’s a movie,” and he quickly realized she was referring to the film where a teenage girl unexpectedly becomes pregnant. This revelation caught Shepard off guard, leading him to acknowledge the sensitive nature of the subject matter while trying to explain it in an age-appropriate way.

Shepard clarified to Delta that while the desire to have a child with someone you love is not inherently wrong, the context of teenage pregnancy presented in the film is more complex. He aimed to emphasize the importance of understanding the implications and responsibilities that come with such life-altering decisions, especially for someone so young.

Delta’s reaction was insightful; she responded with curiosity, asking, “Oh, she’s in high school?” This indicated that while she was familiar with some aspects of the Juno story, she hadn’t grasped the full context of the character’s situation. Shepard explained further, noting that while there’s nothing wrong with wanting a child, the specific circumstances within the film present a more complicated narrative that requires careful consideration.

This isn’t the first time that Shepard and Bell have openly discussed how they approach mature topics with their daughters. Their willingness to engage in these conversations reflects a commitment to fostering an environment where open dialogue about complex issues is encouraged.

In a feature for the 2023 edition of Real Simple, Bell emphasized that within their household, no topics are considered “taboo,” including sensitive subjects like sex. Their approach fosters an environment where all discussions, regardless of their nature, can take place openly.

“I dislike the term ‘taboo,’” Bell expressed during the interview. “It should be eliminated from our vocabulary. There should be no topic off-limits for discussion.” She stressed the importance of having honest conversations with her children about various topics, including drugs and their father’s recovery journey, along with discussions around sexuality and relationships.

When discussing their parenting approach, Bell emphasized the value of teaching their children to “make amends” and how essential it is to acknowledge mistakes and learn from them.

“Making amends and offering sincere apologies is crucial in our family,” she elaborated. “People can leave emotional damage wherever they go, and I truly appreciate when someone recognizes their wrongdoing and strives to make it right. If there’s one lesson I want to impart to my children, it’s how to genuinely apologize and understand that it’s a way to improve oneself and feel better about who they are.”