Jennifer Garner on Having a ‘Really Hard Time’ Raising Her and Ben Affleck’s Kids

Garner’s openness sheds light on the genuine and relatable challenges many parents encounter, demonstrating that even amidst celebrity status and wealth, the journey of raising children can still be fraught with its own unique hurdles and obstacles.

The actress shares three kids with Affleck: Violet, 18, Seraphina, 15, and Samuel, 12. In her interview, Jennifer Garner discussed the difficulty of refraining from making decisions for her children, acknowledging the struggle to resist the urge to impose her views on them.

She remarked, “My parents faced the same challenge, and I’m truly impressed by that. I find it extremely challenging not to express, ‘This is what I think you should do,’ and ‘I see you as…’ I genuinely have to restrain myself.”

Garner disclosed that she doesn’t experience guilt as a mom when she’s working.

At the premiere of his film “The Way Back” in 2020, Ben Affleck admitted that although the movie was suitable for kids around 12, he wasn’t certain he’d show it to his own children at that age. He emphasized prioritizing fatherhood as the most significant aspect of his life.

Regarding the movie’s themes, he explained, “Yes, it delves into addiction, alcoholism, divorce, and the challenges that everyday people confront. But it’s also about resilience, growth, and the ability to surmount adversity. Ultimately, it’s about living life and navigating the world.”

Later that year, Affleck shared insights into how he communicates with his kids about overcoming tough situations, emphasizing values such as honesty, accountability, and helping others.

He stressed the importance of honesty with his children and encouraged them to express their feelings openly. Regardless of their emotions, he wants them to feel comfortable reaching out to him, their mother, and their teachers.

Affleck ensures he’s actively present in his children’s lives and demonstrates love consistently. He advocates for parents forgiving themselves for not being flawless, acknowledging that parenting is a learning process marked by trial and error.

In contrast, Garner always felt destined for motherhood, even from a young age. She was prepared to embrace motherhood regardless of whether it meant adoption or fostering. As a child, she was always seen with a doll, and by seventh or eighth grade, she and a friend had started a babysitting business.

In late 2023, Garner shared that she doesn’t experience guilt as a working mom. She emphasized the societal pressure working mothers face, urging them to approach their roles with a sense of openness and presence rather than succumbing to constant guilt.

She stressed the importance of being fully present for her children whenever they’re together, emphasizing that her mother’s support and encouragement have been instrumental in alleviating any feelings of guilt.

Garner has consistently shown support for her kids. As previously reported, her daughter Seraphina attracted attention for her new haircut during a public outing in February 2024. Photos of her haircut sparked discussions online when they were revealed.

On a Tuesday morning, pictures emerged of Seraphina Affleck, the 15-year-old daughter of former Hollywood couple Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner, waiting for her school bus with her mother. Images circulated online showed Seraphina sporting a buzz cut, dressed in jeans, a beige sweater, and carrying an olive-colored backpack.

This bold hair transformation comes after the young teenager, sporting earphones, was spotted with a bob hairstyle late last year. Pictures of Seraphina, born on January 6, 2009, drew a range of reactions from the public.

Commenting on the teenager’s appearance, one observer remarked, “She resembles her dad with that shaved hair.” Similarly, another echoed, “She takes after her father.” Meanwhile, a different comment read, “It’s sad what’s become of this kid.”

On the flip side, some social media users praised Seraphina’s new haircut, expressing their views that she rocks the buzz cut look. One admirer exclaimed, “It suits her so well!! Many women opt for shaved heads for style.” Another supporter swooned, “Absolutely adorable.” Yet another commenter remarked, “Paying homage to Demi Moore! Expressing her unique style! I think a splash of color would make it stand out!”

Despite attracting significant attention online, Seraphina, whose loving parents disclosed her beautiful name to the media a week after her birth, does not have a social media presence. This decision was previously discussed by Seraphina Affleck’s mother, Garner, who has opted to keep her children away from social media platforms.

Last year, Garner recounted a conversation she had with her children — Seraphina, Violet, and Samuel. The “13 Going on 30” star shared, “I simply told my kids, ‘Show me the articles proving that social media benefits teenagers, and then we’ll discuss it.'”

Garner further explained that her eldest daughter, Violet, has been understanding of her mother’s choice to restrict access to social media. As a mother of two teenage daughters and a son approaching adolescence, Garner empathizes with the challenges of navigating adolescence.

Regarding the sentiments of Violet, Seraphina, and Samuel’s devoted father toward social media, the “Argo” actor previously revealed, “I reached a point where the public perception was so far from who I am that I just stopped paying attention.”

However, Affleck also addressed the challenges he faces as his children grow older and become more exposed to the online world. He specifically mentioned the false narratives that arise from photos of his facial expressions.

As previously reported on February 12, 2024:

The 15-year-old daughter of former Hollywood power couple Ben Affleck and Jennifer Garner recently debuted a pink buzz cut, sparking various reactions on social media. The change was unveiled during a family outing in West Hollywood over the weekend.

Accompanied by her father and Jennifer Lopez’s daughter, Emme Muniz, Seraphina Affleck was seen browsing a thrift store. The trio left the store carrying bags after their shopping spree. While Seraphina opted for a flannel shirt, a T-shirt, and Adidas sneakers, Emme sported shorts, an oversized hoodie, and Converse sneakers.

Responses on social media to Seraphina’s new hairstyle varied. Some comments noted her resemblance to her father, with one user stating, “Wow, she really takes after her dad.” Similarly, another commented, “She’s definitely her dad’s mini-me. She looks stunning.”

Others expressed concerns about modern youth trends, with comments such as, “They’re ruining the youth of today’s society, and sadly, the parents are letting it happen.” However, some responses celebrated this exploration phase, saying, “Just normal teenage behavior. Let it be,” and “I’m loving her new hair!”

Personal anecdotes were also shared, with individuals recounting their own or their children’s experiences during adolescence, showcasing the diversity in how young people express themselves. One user shared, “My daughter went through a tomboy phase at that age, just like I did.”

The reaction to Seraphina Affleck’s hair reflects broader societal discussions about youth and self-expression. Through the lens of this family outing, public discourse navigates the complexities of individuality, parental guidance, and societal norms.

Source: https://pagesix.com/2024/03/28/parents/jennifer-garner-shares-hard-part-of-raising-her-and-ben-afflecks-kids/