On Chicago Fire, Stella Kidd (played by Miranda Rae Mayo) is a key figure in Firehouse 51, taking charge during life-threatening rescue missions. But when it comes to her personal life, particularly the topic of motherhood, Kidd’s character has taken a cautious approach. The question of whether Stella and her husband, Kelly Severide (Taylor Kinney), are ready to start a family has lingered in recent seasons. According to Mayo, there’s a good reason Kidd isn’t rushing into parenthood: her dedication to her firefighting career and unresolved fears about children’s safety.
Stella Kidd’s Career Takes Priority
Miranda Rae Mayo recently discussed Kidd’s hesitation about having children in an interview with Soaps.com. While the idea has been hinted at for a few seasons, Kidd’s focus remains on solidifying her role as a leader at Firehouse 51. As the Truck Lieutenant, she’s still growing into her responsibilities, and that role demands her full attention.
“I think a big part of her not wanting to have kids yet is she hasn’t been a truck Lieutenant for that long,” Mayo explained. “I think there is a part of herself that really wants to validate Boden’s belief in her.”
Chief Boden (Eamonn Walker) was instrumental in promoting Kidd, and her journey to earn her current position was anything but smooth. Given the sacrifices and challenges she faced to climb the ladder, it’s understandable that Kidd would want to cement her reputation as a strong and capable leader before considering a major life change like parenthood.
Pregnancy, as Mayo pointed out, would require Kidd to step back from active duty, a reality she isn’t ready to face. The thought of being sidelined for even a year conflicts with Kidd’s commitment to her team and her passion for firefighting.
Motherhood on Her Mind
While Kidd is not ready to have children yet, it’s clear the subject isn’t far from her thoughts. In Season 13, Kidd has become increasingly concerned about the safety of children during emergencies. This heightened sensitivity was first apparent in the season’s opening episode, where incidents involving kids left a deep emotional impact on her.
“Anytime there is an incident with kids, it fills her with dread,” Mayo shared. “And we will see throughout the season there are multiple calls with kids that just kind of fill her with more and more.”
These moments underscore Kidd’s internal struggle. While she has a natural instinct to protect children, the fear and emotional toll of such situations seem to highlight her uncertainty about becoming a parent.
Tied to Severide’s Arc
One recurring critique of Stella Kidd’s character arc is its dependence on her relationship with Kelly Severide. When Severide isn’t around, Kidd’s personal storyline often feels sidelined. As fans know, Severide has expressed an openness to starting a family, most notably in the Season 12 finale. However, Kidd’s reluctance stems not from a lack of love for Severide but from her need to prioritize her career and personal growth.
Fans are hopeful that the show will explore Kidd’s feelings in greater depth, giving her character the space to confront these fears and decide her future on her own terms.
What’s Next for Stella Kidd?
Season 13 has already teased that Kidd will face more child-related emergencies, adding layers to her complex relationship with the idea of motherhood. Whether she eventually decides to take the leap or continues to focus on her career remains to be seen.
For now, Miranda Rae Mayo’s portrayal ensures that Kidd’s journey is both relatable and thought-provoking, reflecting the challenges many women face when balancing ambition with personal milestones.
