Ben Affleck and his ex-wife Jennifer Garner continue to co-parent their children, Violet Anne and Samuel, with a shared goal of allowing them to explore their own futures without pressure. The former couple, who married in 2005 and divorced in 2018, have emphasized a cautious approach to parenting that avoids steering their children toward specific careers. This philosophy reflects Affleck’s latest comments about their unique Ben Affleck co-parenting approach.
Respecting Their Children’s Freedom to Choose Careers
During a joint interview with Matt Damon at the premiere of The Rip, Affleck conveyed that both he and Garner want their children to have the freedom to discover their own paths rather than feeling guided into any predetermined profession. Speaking to E! News, the actor admitted,
You put something on your children when you have a public life, and that’s complicated.
He further explained,
We really want to give them room to figure out what they want to do.
Affleck made it clear that, despite their fame and success in the entertainment industry, he would not pressure Violet Anne or Samuel to follow in their footsteps.
I wouldn’t push them into that,
he said, adding,
They’re brilliant and lovely and wonderful, and we love them, and we’re proud of them.
The couple also expressed hope that their children avoid wasting their lives solely on acting, despite the benefits their parents’ careers might bring. Reflecting on his own upbringing, Affleck noted,
In some way, it was kind of a blessing to anonymity, to struggle, to where we started, which was just in the middle of nowhere.
Maintaining Transparency and Cooperation in Co-Parenting
In a previous interview with GQ, Affleck praised Garner’s role as a co-parent, highlighting their strong partnership in raising their children.
I’m really lucky that I have a really good co-parent and partner in Jennifer Garner, the kids’ mom, who’s wonderful and great and we work together well.
He also recalled how they managed their children’s exposure to media stories about themselves, explaining that they would clarify misinformation. According to Affleck,
They would see something on a supermarket stand.
To ease any confusion, the parents would tell them,
This isn’t always true, because if it were, you would have 15 brothers or sisters or whatever the number of stories is where they said that your mom was pregnant.
Significance of Their Co-Parenting on Their Children’s Future
Ben Affleck’s co-parenting approach with Jennifer Garner demonstrates a mindful effort to protect their children from the complications of public life, providing a supportive environment for genuine personal growth. Their focus on allowing Violet Anne and Samuel to choose their own directions may encourage healthy independence and resilience in an otherwise challenging spotlight. Moving forward, this cooperative and transparent parenting style could serve as a model for families navigating similar circumstances in the public eye.
