Jennifer Garner Opens Up About Parenting Struggles While Raising Children With Ben Affleck

Jennifer Garner has admitted she struggled while raising her three children with former husband Ben Affleck. The actress reflected on the guilt she once carried as a working parent, revealing how her perspective has changed now that her children are older.

Garner shares three children with Affleck: Violet, 20, Fin, 17, and Samuel, 14. Looking back on their younger years, the actress said juggling family responsibilities with work was one of the biggest challenges she faced.

The Alias star spoke candidly about her parenting journey during an appearance on TODAY. She explained that she no longer feels the need to apologize to her children for pursuing a career she genuinely loves.

“Yeah because work is part of life, and I get so much joy from what I do,” Garner said while discussing how her outlook has evolved over the years.

She admitted that things felt very different when her children were younger. At the time, balancing film projects with motherhood often left her questioning whether she was giving enough to both her family and her career.

“My kids, now that they’re older, when they were younger I struggled with it so much,” Garner shared. She explained that her children now understand why she continued working and appreciate the example she set.

According to the actress, her children have told her they are grateful she showed them that work can be meaningful and enjoyable. She said they now see a career as something that can bring fulfillment rather than simply being an obligation.

Garner believes that lesson has become one of the most valuable things she has passed on to her children. She hopes they understand that finding joy in work is just as important as achieving success.

The actress also offered advice to parents who experience similar emotions while trying to balance work and family life. Her message was straightforward and encouraging.

“Let go of the guilt, it doesn’t serve anyone,” Garner said. She encouraged parents to stop being so hard on themselves and recognize that pursuing meaningful work can also benefit their children.

Garner has spoken openly about this chapter of her life before. In an earlier interview with InStyle, she revealed that she deliberately worked very little while her children were growing up and later navigated a difficult period in her personal life.

Now that Violet, Fin, and Samuel are older, Garner says she has been able to devote more time to acting without feeling the same level of conflict. She remains committed to being present for her family while embracing new professional opportunities.

Reflecting on this stage of her career, Garner said she feels fortunate to return to acting from a place of genuine enthusiasm. Rather than viewing work as an obligation, she now approaches each project with excitement.

“I feel lucky because I really come at it from a place of joy,” she said. “I just really love to do it.” Her comments highlight how both motherhood and her career have shaped her outlook, allowing her to find a healthier balance between family life and the profession she has always loved.