Jennifer Garner has shared insights about co-parenting with her ex-husband, Ben Affleck, following their separation in 2015. In a recent chat on Bustle’s “One Night Stand” podcast, she reflected on the challenges and lessons learned while raising their three children.
“In a way, I think I’ll be both a mom and a dad, while he’ll fulfill similar roles,” Garner explained regarding how the kids navigate life between two homes. “It’s unavoidable, really. It’s like having both yin and yang—each household brings different strengths.” She admitted that while there may be some losses, there’s also potential for growth. “You just adapt. It’s allowed me to ease up on holding onto strict parenting rules,” she added.
Garner and Affleck first crossed paths on the set of “Pearl Harbor” in 2001, but their romantic relationship didn’t start until a few years later after working together on “Daredevil.” They married in 2005 but announced their divorce a decade later. The couple released a joint statement at the time detailing their commitment to co-parenting and preserving their children’s privacy during a tough transition.
In a heartfelt conversation after their split, Garner described Affleck as “the love of my life,” recalling how she never saw him as just a celebrity. “I would choose him again in a heartbeat,” she said in a Vanity Fair interview back in 2016. “Our bond brought me my kids, and that’s invaluable.” She also mentioned, “We still need to support one another through this change. He’s the only one who truly understands everything, just as I know parts of his truth,” hinting at their ongoing connection.
Post-divorce, Affleck reconnected with Jennifer Lopez, marrying her in 2022. However, their marriage lasted about two years, culminating in a divorce finalized in early 2025. A source revealed that Affleck has been spending quality time with Garner and their kids, indicating a positive co-parenting dynamic. “They maintain a family-like bond and communicate frequently. Jennifer genuinely cares for his well-being because it ultimately benefits the children,” the source explained.
Affleck seems to be in a better place now, having focused on his work while navigating personal challenges. “He looks less stressed than before and seems more engaged in his projects,” said the source. During a 2020 interview with Good Morning America, Affleck expressed his sentiments about the lasting ties shared with Garner. “I didn’t want to be divorced; it was a painful experience. But having kids binds you together,” he noted. “I’m grateful she’s their mother, and respect her deeply. Our marriage may have ended, but it’s essential for our kids to see us getting along.”
