> At a Glance
> – Jennifer Garner tells Marie Claire UK her parenting style has “shifted” as her kids grow up
> – She calls Samuel, 13, Seraphina, 16, and Violet, 20, “so cool” and says she now lets them make their own choices
> – Ben Affleck praised their co-parenting routine and recently joined Garner for Christmas with the children
> – Why it matters: The candid peek at how celebrity parents navigate teen years offers relatable insight for any family
Jennifer Garner is embracing a hands-off approach as her three children with ex Ben Affleck enter adolescence and young adulthood.
A New Parenting Mindset
In the Marie Claire UK interview, Garner, 53, said her role has evolved from manager to observer. “It’s more about parenting with a button on my mouth,” she explained, noting she no longer tries to control their decisions.
She praised the trio for “trying hard” and added, “I’m so proud of how they walk through the world.”
Co-Parenting at the Holidays
An exclusive source told News Of Los Angeles in December that Affleck was “invited to celebrate Christmas with Jen and the kids,” repeating the Thanksgiving arrangement the former couple now favor.
- Affleck “spends a lot of time at Jen’s house and is constantly around for his kids”
- The setup “makes everyone happy,” the insider said
- Garner continues to date CEO John Miller, while Affleck divorced Jennifer Lopez in 2024
At the October premiere of Kiss of the Spider-Woman, Affleck told Access Hollywood he “could not be more proud” after daughter Violet spoke at the United Nations, crediting Garner for their children’s success.
| Child | Age | Recent Milestone |
|---|---|---|
| Violet | 20 | Spoke at United Nations |
| Seraphina | 16 | Navigating high school |
| Samuel | 13 | Entering teen years |
Key Takeaways
- Garner’s parenting focus has moved from control to support
- The ex-couple prioritize joint holidays for family unity
- Both parents publicly praise their children’s independence
Garner and Affleck, who split in 2015 and divorced in 2018, appear to have settled into a cooperative rhythm that centers on their kids’ growth.
